Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has urged staff of the commission to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, warning that Nigeria cannot afford to fail in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an official working visit and interactive session with management and staff at the INEC office in Minna, Niger State, on Friday, Amupitan said the credibility of the country’s electoral process rests largely on the commitment and conduct of the commission’s personnel.
He reminded staff that both Nigerians and the international community were closely monitoring preparations for the elections, stressing that the commission must deliver a transparent and credible electoral process.
“You are our ambassadors and you cannot afford to fail,” the INEC chairman said, adding that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
According to him, interest in Nigeria’s elections extends beyond the country’s borders.
“The whole world, not just Nigerians, is looking up to INEC. I recently attended a meeting of Electoral Management Bodies under the African Union in Egypt, and many participants expressed their intention to observe Nigeria’s elections,” he said.
Amupitan assured staff that the commission was strengthening its logistics, infrastructure and transportation capacity nationwide to ensure a smoother electoral process and avoid the operational challenges experienced in previous elections.
“We do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past. Our objective is to continue improving our performance,” he stated.
The INEC chairman, who has spent nine months in office, reiterated his commitment to restoring public confidence in the electoral body through the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
He said the success of that objective depends largely on the dedication and integrity of staff working across the country.
Amupitan also announced that the commission would introduce a reward system for outstanding performance while enforcing strict disciplinary measures against any form of misconduct.
“There should be no compromise whatsoever. Hard work will be rewarded, but misconduct will attract serious consequences. Work selflessly, shun corruption and give Nigerians the credible elections they deserve,” he told the staff.
On staff welfare, the INEC chairman disclosed that the commission had commenced a comprehensive review of employees’ welfare packages to improve morale and productivity.
He noted that one of the major issues he identified upon assuming office was the poor welfare of INEC personnel.
“We play a critical role in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy. A stable political system depends on the credibility and independence of the electoral body. That is why improving staff welfare remains a priority,” he said.
As part of his visit, Amupitan also inspected the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise at a registration centre within the INEC state headquarters.
