The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started a process to improve its institutional memory through enhanced archiving, cataloguing, and documentation of its activities. This move is in preparation for the 2027 general elections. INEC's Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Department organized a two-day capacity-building workshop for Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. The workshop aims to equip PAOs with the skills needed for effective archiving and documentation.
The workshop, themed "Preserving Institutional Memory Through Effective Archiving and Documentation," was declared open by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC). Haruna, represented by Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity, emphasized the importance of proper archiving. He stated that preserving records is necessary for reference, learning from previous elections, and improving the Commission's operations. Haruna expressed concern that materials from previous election cycles were often not adequately preserved in some states.
Haruna noted that the newly established Graphics, Library and Documentation (GLD) Division was created to address the gap in documentation. He directed the participating Public Affairs Officers to take responsibility for documentation in their respective states. The officers will also serve as GLD Desk Officers in their states. The training aims to prepare them to implement the Commission's new documentation standards. This initiative is expected to improve the Commission's ability to conduct comparative assessments and draw lessons from past experiences.
Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, stressed the importance of preserving the Commission's records as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. He urged the participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training in their respective states and support the Commission's efforts to preserve its institutional records. Oketola's remarks underscored the significance of this initiative in ensuring the Commission's credibility and neutrality.
Perpetual Aligwara, Deputy Director of Graphics, Library and Documentation, highlighted the challenges posed by poor documentation. She noted that some state offices could not readily produce documented records of previous Commission activities. Aligwara warned that poor documentation could affect the ability of information officers to properly defend the Commission's decisions and institutional history. She emphasized that the Commission's credibility rests as much on its memory as on its neutrality.
Aligwara further explained that inadequate documentation could contribute to inconsistent application of guidelines across state and local offices. This, she noted, could expose the Commission to litigation and public trust challenges. Quoting writer Adjori Augustine, Aligwara said, "What you don't put down doesn't exist." She stressed that proper documentation provides evidence needed to establish and defend the Commission's decisions and activities.
The initiative is aimed at returning the Commission's records management system to standard practice. The training is expected to enhance the capacity of Public Affairs Officers to manage the Commission's records effectively. By preserving its institutional memory, INEC aims to improve its operations and maintain its credibility and neutrality in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- INEC starts efforts to strengthen institutional memory through improved archiving and documentation.
- The Commission's credibility rests as much on its memory as on its neutrality.
- Proper documentation provides evidence needed to establish and defend the Commission's decisions and activities.
