The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned electoral officers against partisanship, negligence, and breaches of professional ethics ahead of the 2027 General Election. Amupitan issued the warning on Monday in Kaduna while opening the North West Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 elections. The meeting aimed to assess the preparedness of states, identify operational challenges, and ensure compliance with the Commission's Code of Conduct.
Addressing Electoral Officers, heads of departments, and senior administrative staff from the zone, Amupitan emphasized that the Commission would enforce its code of conduct and would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process. He stressed that protecting INEC's institutional integrity was non-negotiable. Amupitan reminded electoral officials of the oath of loyalty and neutrality required under Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026.
Amupitan warned that administrative lapses could provide room for disinformation and deepen voter apathy. He stated that when a polling unit opens late, when an officer displays nonchalance or perceived bias, or when technical glitches are met with silence, we inadvertently validate the cynics, deepen voter apathy, and fuel disinformation. The INEC chairman directed staff to avoid informal shortcuts and follow procedures contained in the Electoral Act 2026.
The INEC chairman further emphasized that technology and a strong legal framework could not guarantee credible elections unless officials faithfully implemented the rules governing the electoral process. He described INEC staff as the public face of the Commission in their respective communities. Amupitan urged staff to know the law, understand their responsibilities, remain neutral, and properly document their actions.
Amupitan announced that the Commission was implementing measures aimed at improving the welfare, security, and operational capacity of its personnel. He disclosed that the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure, CEMBSS, was established with effect from January 1, 2026, while overhead allocations to state offices were increased by 150 per cent from July 1. The procurement and distribution of new operational pick-up vehicles had commenced.
The Supervising National Commissioner for Kaduna, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, disclosed that collection of newly printed Permanent Voter Cards would commence on October 9. He urged traditional rulers and other community leaders to encourage eligible citizens to collect their cards and exercise their right to vote. The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The INEC chairman's decision to personally attend the zonal meetings reflected the importance of engaging officials working directly in the field. The Kaduna meeting was part of a six-zone readiness assessment exercise being conducted across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
Key points
- INEC Chairman warns staff against partisanship ahead of 2027 elections.
- Collection of newly printed Permanent Voter Cards to commence on October 9.
- INEC implements measures to improve staff welfare, security, and operational capacity.
