The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has called on members of staff of the commission to remain steadfast in professionalism, sacrifice and integrity as Muslims across Nigeria celebrate the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir festival. In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the Islamic celebration, Amupitan congratulated Muslim staff members of the commission and urged them to reflect deeply on the lessons of obedience, devotion and selflessness associated with the season.
The INEC chairman described Eid-el-Kabir as a significant period that reminds people of the need to place duty, honesty and commitment above personal interests and conveniences. “As the Muslim Ummah celebrates this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, I extend my warmest felicitations to all our Muslim colleagues within the Commission,” Amupitan stated.
He noted that the festival symbolizes enduring values that are essential not only in religious life but also in public service and nation-building. According to him, Eid-el-Kabir represents “the timeless virtues of absolute obedience, selflessness, and supreme sacrifice,” adding that the celebration offers an opportunity for individuals to renew their dedication to noble ideals and responsibilities.
Amupitan stressed that the principles of sacrifice and discipline reflected in the Eid celebration are directly connected to the work of election administrators, whose responsibilities require constant vigilance and unwavering dedication. He said the task of managing elections and sustaining democracy in Nigeria remains one of the most demanding public assignments in the country, requiring officials to work under intense pressure and make difficult sacrifices for the national interest.
“For us as election managers, the essence of this festival resonates with a very clear, professional urgency,” he said. “The institutional assignment committed to our care by the Nigerian people requires an unmatched level of personal sacrifice and steadfastness. Managing our democracy is a high-stakes, around-the-clock duty that frequently demands long hours away from our families and comfort zones.” The INEC chairman further reminded staff members that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system depends largely on the integrity and dedication of those entrusted with the responsibility of conducting elections.
He urged officials of the commission across the country to continue demonstrating impartiality, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties, especially as preparations gradually intensify ahead of future electoral activities.
Amupitan acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices already being made by many members of staff, particularly those working in difficult environments and remote areas to ensure the smooth conduct of elections and other democratic processes. He commended their resilience and patriotism, saying their contributions remain vital to strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
The chairman also encouraged workers of the commission to use the Eid-el-Kabir period to promote peace, unity and mutual understanding among Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences. According to him, national development can only thrive in an atmosphere where citizens embrace tolerance, cooperation and shared responsibility.
He expressed hope that the lessons of the season would inspire greater dedication among public servants and encourage Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions in the country. Amupitan also prayed for peace, stability and progress in Nigeria, urging citizens to continue to uphold values that promote national cohesion and democratic growth.
Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide in remembrance of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. The celebration is widely regarded as one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar and is marked with prayers, acts of charity and communal gatherings.
Across Nigeria, Muslim faithful have commenced preparations for the celebration amid heightened security arrangements and appeals from leaders for peaceful coexistence and national unity.
