Renew Commitment To Electoral Integrity – INEC Boss Urges Nig’s @Sallah

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Professor Joash Amupitan has called on the Commission’s workforce nationwide and the Nigerian public to translate the discipline of the Holy Month of Ramadan into a renewed commitment to electoral integrity.

In a special Eid-el-Fitr message, Professor Amupitan described the conclusion of the fast as a victory of the spirit over self and a foundational moment for the Commission as it prepares for the critical 2026 off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 General Election.

Highlighting a rare and beautiful coincidence, INEC Chairman noted that this year’s Ramadan occurred concurrently with the Christian Lenten period emphasising that the simultaneous intercession of both faiths within the Commission reinforces a shared responsibility toward the Nigerian Project.

“Seeing both faiths within the Commission engaged in simultaneous fasting and intercession reinforces my belief in our shared humanity.”

“The lessons of Ramadan —patience, integrity, and empathy— are the very virtues we require as we approach the critical milestones of 2026.”

Professor Amupitan therefore urged staff to ensure that discipline is reflected in a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, aimed at ending voter apathy and rebuilding public trust.

He said the Commission is currently operating under the framework of the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, which mandates stricter adherence to technological innovations like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal IReV.

According to him, the upcoming Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections serve as the immediate litmus test for these reforms.

“With a workforce of over 14,000, the Commission is prioritising internal discipline alongside enhanced working conditions, recognizing that a motivated workforce is the best defense against external political pressure”

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji