2027 Elections : INEC Chairman Tasks Staff On Professionalism, Integrity

As preparations for the 2027 General Election gradually gather pace, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Professor Joash Amupitan wants staff to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

The INEC Chairman gave the charge during a visit to the Commission’s state office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on the sidelines of a technical workshop at Ikot Ekpene to review key aspects of electoral administration.

Addressing members of staff after inspecting some voter registration centres Professor Amupitan said the credibility of future elections would depend largely on the quality of preparation and commitment demonstrated by the Commission’s personnel.

“Nigerians expect the Commission to deliver credible, free and fair elections,”

“That expectation places a responsibility on every member of staff to uphold professionalism, transparency and integrity at all times.”

According to him, the Commission has already begun laying the foundation for the 2027 General Election through a series of internal reviews, technical engagements and operational improvements designed to strengthen the electoral process.

The Chairman also highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the voter register, noting that the ongoing Voter Revalidation Exercise was aimed at eliminating duplicate registrations and removing the names of deceased persons from the register.

He explained that the Commission would continue to deepen collaboration with key national data institutions such as the National Population Commission and the National Identity Management Commission to improve the accuracy of population data and ensure that only eligible citizens are captured on the voter register.

Professor Amupitan further assured staff that the Commission remains committed to improving their welfare and career development saying efforts were underway to establish a specialised professional cadre for INEC personnel to better recognise the technical nature of election management and the risks associated with the responsibility.

He also congratulated staff recently promoted during the Commission’s latest promotion exercise and reiterated INEC’s commitment to enhancing staff working conditions as well as retirement benefits.

The Chairman however urged staff to ensure that all electoral innovations introduced by the Commission, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, remain fully operational and ready for deployment ahead of future elections.

He reminded them that the credibility of elections, and ultimately public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy, rests significantly on the diligence and commitment of the Commission’s workforce.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa-Ibom State, Obo Effanga, said the Chairman’s visit provided a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with staff working to implement the Commission’s mandate in the state.

He noted that although the Commission was in Ikot Ekpene for a technical workshop, the visit to the state office in Uyo enabled the Chairman to interact with personnel and appreciate firsthand the efforts of staff serving the people of the state.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji