INEC chairman tasks staff on discipline ahead of Ekiti, Osun polls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has tasked staff of the Commission to uphold strict discipline and professionalism as the country prepares for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.

Amupitan in a special Eid-el-Fitr message on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, said the values imbibed during the holy month of Ramadan must reflect in the conduct of personnel, particularly as the Commission moves toward critical off-cycle polls that are expected to shape public confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.

He stressed that discipline, integrity and empathy must guide staff actions, noting that the credibility of the electoral process depends largely on the conduct of officials deployed across the country.

Amupitan described the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun states as important tests for the Commission, adding that they would serve as a measure of its preparedness and commitment to delivering credible polls.

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

He urged the Commission’s workforce, spread across the 774 local government areas, to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, warning that lapses capable of undermining electoral integrity would not be condoned.

The INEC chairman also reiterated his administration’s commitment to staff welfare, noting that a motivated workforce remains critical to insulating the Commission from undue influence and external pressure.

He pointed to recent internal engagements, including the hosting of an institutional iftar, as part of efforts to boost morale and foster unity within the Commission.

Amupitan noted that the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections would be conducted under the provisions of the which emphasises stricter compliance with technological tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal.

He expressed optimism that with discipline and dedication, the Commission would deliver elections that meet public expectations and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

The 2026 Eid-el-Fitr message arrives at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey under the leadership of Prof. Amupitan.

Since assuming office on October 23, 2025, the Chairman has moved aggressively to modernise the Commission’s operations and restore institutional memory.

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).

The upcoming Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections serve as the immediate litmus test for these reforms. The Chairman has consistently framed these polls as the ultimate test before the 2027 General Election.

With a workforce of over 14,000, Amupitan said the Commission is prioritising internal discipline alongside enhanced working conditions.