Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday denied its officials connive with politicians to perpetrate electoral fraud.
The commission’s Director of Audit, Alhaji Mustapha Kuta, who spoke in Lagos at a training for INEC Directors on Strategic and Financial Planning, said no INEC employees had been found culpable or prosecuted for electoral fraud.
Kuta said, ‘‘The commission has officials who are dedicated to its objectives. But down the ladder, there are ad-hoc staff members who during elections are classified as INEC employees. If anyone of them does anything inimical to the system, it will be assumed that an INEC official did it. You cannot rule that out.
“It is a mere rumour to say that some of the commission’s officials are corrupt.
According to him, INEC under Prof. Attahiru Jega, is committed to ensuring that the nation’s democratic system is firmly rooted to bring about continued free and fair elections.
Kuta, who said the training could not have come at a better time, added that it would assist the commission in its quest to build the capacity of its staff and sensitise them to the principles of credible elections.
He stated, ‘‘The leadership of INEC constantly ensures that it achieves quality election and management of electoral system. In order to realise that vision, it always brings together its staff to build their capacity. The training is timely as it is coming after the 2011 elections and preparation for 2015 elections. There is a cycle in election management viz pre-election activities, election and post-election.’’
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