INEC Chairman Urges Discipline Ahead of Ekiti and Osun Elections

Nigeria’s electoral umpire has called for renewed discipline and integrity as the country prepares for a crucial round of elections. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has urged both staff and citizens to reflect the values of Ramadan in strengthening the nation’s democratic process.

In a special message marking the end of Ramadan at the INEC headquarters on Friday, Amupitan described the fasting period as “a victory of the spirit over the self,” emphasizing its relevance as the commission gears up for the 2026 off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun, as well as the 2027 general election.

Faith, Discipline, and Democratic Responsibility

Amupitan highlighted the rare overlap of Ramadan with the Christian Lenten season, noting that the convergence underscores a shared moral obligation among Nigerians toward nation-building. According to him, the values of patience, integrity, and empathy promoted during these religious observances are essential to the success of Nigeria’s electoral system.

He stressed that these virtues must extend beyond personal conduct and be reflected in institutional practices, particularly within INEC. The INEC chairman called on Nigerians to see the electoral process as a collective responsibility that demands sincerity and vigilance.

Furthermore, Amupitan noted that the coming elections represent more than routine political exercises; they are critical milestones that will shape public confidence in democratic institutions. He urged citizens to actively participate in the process while upholding ethical standards.

INEC’s Staff Welfare and Professional Accountability

Addressing INEC’s workforce of over 14,000 staff across the country’s 774 Local Government Areas, the INEC chairman reaffirmed his commitment to staff welfare. He pointed to a recent Iftar gathering—reportedly the first in eight years—as evidence of a renewed focus on employee engagement and morale.

Amupitan explained that a motivated workforce is central to delivering credible elections. He emphasized that improved welfare must go hand-in-hand with heightened accountability, urging staff to adopt a zero-tolerance stance toward misconduct.

In addition, the INEC chairman stressed the importance of professionalism in rebuilding public trust and addressing voter apathy. According to him, the integrity of election officials remains one of the most critical factors in ensuring transparent and credible outcomes.

Electoral Reforms and the Road to 2027

Since assuming office on October 23, 2025, Amupitan has initiated measures aimed at modernising INEC’s operations and restoring institutional efficiency. The commission now operates under the framework of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates stricter compliance with technology-driven processes.

Key among these technologies are the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), both designed to enhance transparency and reduce irregularities. The chairman noted that these tools are central to the commission’s reform agenda.

The forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun are widely regarded as a litmus test for these reforms. Amupitan maintained that a disciplined and committed workforce will be essential in safeguarding electoral integrity against political interference, setting the tone for the 2027 general election.