Dikkasmedia
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has warned electoral officials against engaging in partisan politics as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. He said commission employees must maintain neutrality, professionalism and discipline to protect public confidence in the electoral process.
Amupitan gave the warning on Monday during an interactive meeting with INEC staff from the South-East region in Enugu. According to a report published by Dikkasmedia on October 20, the chairman expressed concern over reports that some officials were showing interest in political parties, stressing that such conduct was inconsistent with their responsibilities as electoral administrators.
The INEC chairman said the commission would not tolerate unethical behaviour capable of undermining the credibility of elections. He urged personnel to remain impartial in their words and actions, regardless of their personal political preferences, and to carry out their duties in accordance with electoral laws and established guidelines.
As part of efforts to strengthen accountability, Amupitan disclosed that INEC had introduced a reward-and-sanction mechanism covering its local government, state and national offices. The system is intended to encourage professional conduct while ensuring that officials who violate the commission’s rules can be held accountable.
He also announced plans to move INEC personnel from the conventional civil service salary structure to a special salary arrangement, expected to take effect on January 1, 2027. According to him, the proposed change is aimed at improving staff welfare and reducing the risk of electoral officials being financially induced before, during or after elections.
The commission is also preparing for the logistical demands of the forthcoming polls. Amupitan said INEC had supplied its Enugu office with 10 new pickup vans and was working to provide additional operational support. He added that non-sensitive election materials were ready, while procurement processes for other materials were ongoing.
The chairman further indicated that extensive training and retraining would begin ahead of the elections to familiarise personnel with updated guidelines and provisions under the amended Electoral Act.
INEC’s preparations come as political parties intensify activities ahead of the 2027 elections. The commission’s ability to maintain neutrality, train its workforce and manage election logistics will be important to the credibility of the voting process.
Dikkasmedia
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