The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has warned that partisan leaning, administrative negligence, and compromised ethics will not be tolerated among the Commission's staff as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. Amupitan gave the warning in Kaduna while declaring open the North-West zonal interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment for the 2027 general election. He emphasized that protecting INEC's institutional integrity is non-negotiable.
Amupitan noted that the conduct of field staff is central to the credibility of any election, stating that false narratives only gain traction when the Commission's administrative execution falters. He reminded officials of the oath of loyalty and neutrality that Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026 requires of all electoral officials and security personnel taking part in an election. The oath commits every officer to administering an election without a preferred candidate or political party.
The INEC boss cautioned staff against improvisation, saying informal shortcuts are dangerous in election administration. He directed that where operational difficulties arise, they should be escalated through formal institutional channels. Amupitan stressed that a good legal framework and modern technology cannot by themselves guarantee electoral credibility, adding that the credibility of an election depends on how faithfully the law is implemented by the officials entrusted with its administration.
Amupitan described the staff members as the face of the Commission in their communities, urging them to know the law, understand their responsibility, remain neutral, and document their actions. He added that every administrative decision must withstand public scrutiny and judicial review. The INEC chair said the Kaduna meeting was the continuation of a six-zone interactive meetings and readiness assessment tour of the federation ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, 16th January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027. Amupitan recalled the Commission's performance in recent off-cycle elections, particularly the Osun state governorship election, and credited the outcome to the dedication of staff. However, he cautioned that the praise of yesterday raises the expectations of tomorrow.
On staff welfare, Amupitan assured participants of the Commission's commitment to their welfare and security. He said the Commission was at an advanced stage of implementing a new salary and welfare package, and that effective 1st January 2026, it established the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure (CEMBSS), which moved its workforce out of the regular civil service structure. He added that from 1st July 2026, overheads to state offices were increased by 150 percent.
Collection of new Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will commence on October 9, 2026, as announced by the Commission. The INEC chairman informed the Emir of Zazzau during his courtesy visit to the monarch that collection of newly printed PVCs would commence as scheduled. National Commissioner Haruna appealed to traditional rulers to encourage eligible citizens to collect their cards and exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Key points
- INEC Chairman warns staff against partisanship and administrative negligence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Collection of new Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will commence on October 9, 2026.
- The Commission is committed to staff welfare and security, with a new salary and welfare package implemented.
