The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on its officials in the North Central Zone to strengthen operational readiness, maintain neutrality, and ensure efficient election management ahead of the 2027 General Election. This was stated by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, at the Zonal Operational Readiness Assessment and Staff Engagement Meeting for the North Central Zone in Lokoja, Kogi State. The meeting aimed to assess the Commission's preparedness for the upcoming elections.
Professor Amupitan emphasized that electoral integrity required adequate planning, professional conduct, technological investment, and effective staff performance. He noted that the North Central Zone had more than 15.4 million registered voters, with Kogi State accounting for over 1.9 million. The INEC Chairman urged electoral officials to ensure that no eligible voter was disenfranchised through administrative negligence or logistical challenges.
The INEC Chairman also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media. He urged voter education officials to intensify public sensitization and encourage citizens to verify information before sharing it. This, he believed, would help to promote a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Professor Amupitan emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with security agencies to identify potential threats, protect electoral personnel and voters, and guarantee the peaceful conduct of the elections. He warned that anyone who threatens or attacks INEC personnel would face the full weight of the law. This, he said, would ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders.
The INEC Chairman further highlighted voter register integrity, effective field operations, and staff welfare as key priorities. He urged officials to remain committed, disciplined, and accountable in delivering credible elections in 2027. This, he believed, would help to build trust and confidence in the electoral process.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kogi State, Alhaji Shehu Wahab, said the interactive session would provide an opportunity for staff to engage the Commission's leadership and develop practical solutions to challenges ahead of the 2027 elections. He expressed optimism that the meeting would strengthen transparency, staff welfare, and administrative efficiency.
The meeting is part of INEC's efforts to ensure that the 2027 elections are better organized and more credible than previous exercises. The Commission is intensifying preparations to achieve this goal, with a focus on operational readiness, neutrality, and effective election management.
Key points
- INEC Chairman urges officials to strengthen operational readiness, maintain neutrality ahead of 2027 General Election.
- The North Central Zone has over 15.4 million registered voters, with Kogi State accounting for over 1.9 million.
- INEC emphasizes the need for stronger collaboration with security agencies to guarantee peaceful conduct of the elections.
