The Independent National Electoral Commission has begun training its Gender and Inclusivity personnel on how to improve voter education ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The two-day National Inclusive Voter Education Training is aimed at strengthening the capacity of INEC staff to develop and deliver voter education that responds to the different needs of eligible Nigerians.
INEC announced the training on its social media platforms on Wednesday, saying it was supported by the Government of Canada through its Fund for Local Initiatives and organised in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
The training, held at the Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja, brought together staff of the Commission’s Gender and Inclusivity Department from the states and other relevant personnel.
Speaking at the programme, the First Secretary, Political Affairs, High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, Colton Bridges, urged participants to develop practical strategies that would make voter education more effective and accessible.
“I hope for the next two days, what you’re going to take away from it is maybe how to do it a little bit better, how to do it differently, some strategies you can use to ensure that your education is inclusive,” Bridges said.
He said the training was funded through Canada’s Fund for Local Initiatives and formed part of the country’s support for election-related projects in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bridges said his experience observing elections in Ondo, Anambra and Osun states had allowed him to see some of INEC’s efforts to improve electoral inclusion, particularly for persons with disabilities.
He, however, stressed that voter education should also take into account citizens who do not speak English fluently, people with limited literacy, residents of remote communities and Nigerians without internet access.
He said such groups could require specific information and different forms of messaging to participate effectively in the electoral process.
On persons with disabilities, Bridges acknowledged that some challenges they face, including access to education and employment, go beyond INEC’s mandate.
He said the Commission nevertheless had a responsibility to ensure that the electoral process was accessible to them and that they were able to vote and exercise their franchise.
The training is part of INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections and its efforts to strengthen the capacity of its personnel responsible for voter education and inclusivity.
