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The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has continued its push for credible, transparent, and violence-free elections in Nigeria through a collaborative training engagement with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The capacity-building session, held at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, brought together senior officers and operatives from across the country for an intensive training on the Electoral Act 2022, new technological innovations in election administration, and the role of security institutions in safeguarding electoral credibility and transparency.

Declaring the engagement open, Deputy Commandant General (DCG) Philip Ayoba, representing the Commandant General, emphasized that the Corps remains committed to building a culture of professionalism and electoral integrity among its operatives. He described the collaboration with PAACA as a strategic step toward ensuring that officers are adequately equipped with both technical knowledge and ethical discipline necessary for effective election duty. According to him, the partnership reflects the Corps’ belief in continuous learning and reform as vital components of democratic growth.

In his remarks, ACG David Idowu Ojelabi, in charge of Operations, described the event as a “training of trainers”,  designed to ensure that participants not only learn but also pass down the knowledge to their colleagues across all commands. He urged participants to take the sessions seriously, noting that their performance in election operations will be a reflection of the Corps’ professionalism and dedication to national service.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Mr. Sam Olumekun, mni, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi underscored the vital role of security agencies in ensuring peaceful and credible elections. She noted that elections are the heartbeat of democracy, and without a secure and transparent process, democracy cannot thrive. Eta-Messi commended the NSCDC for its proactive efforts in improving coordination with the Commission and other stakeholders, adding that the Electoral Act 2022 serves as a roadmap for transparency, inclusivity, and trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Also speaking, Executive Director of PAACA, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu, said the training reflects PAACA’s commitment to civic enlightenment and institutional accountability. He explained that many operatives involved in election duty often lack in-depth understanding of the Electoral Act, which should be their “Bible and Qur’an” during election operations. Nwagwu urged participants to familiarize themselves not only with the Electoral Act but also with the Constitution and INEC’s guidelines for the 2027 elections, stressing that informed officers contribute to more credible elections and public confidence.

The engagement featured four breakout group sessions focusing on key thematic areas: Election Security Coordination and Preparedness, Intelligence and Risk Management, Protection of Electoral Personnel and Materials, and Post-Election Security and Accountability. Each group discussed practical strategies to enhance inter-agency coordination, improve neutrality, and ensure voter safety without intimidation. Participants proposed mechanisms for early warning, crisis response, and post-election accountability aimed at deepening collaboration between security agencies and INEC.

During the plenary session, participants presented their recommendations, highlighting the need for continuous capacity building, timely intelligence sharing, and stronger community engagement as preventive measures against electoral violence.

The atmosphere was filled with appreciation as participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the legal, ethical, and operational dimensions of election management. Many described the session as eye-opening and timely, especially as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by ACG David Idowu Ojelabi, who reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to sustaining partnerships that promote electoral transparency and national stability. He commended PAACA for its continued advocacy and technical support toward improving Nigeria’s democratic processes.

The engagement marks another milestone in PAACA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote informed participation in the country’s electoral reforms  a commitment that both organizations pledged to sustain in the build-up to the next election cycle.