The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), has issued a stern warning to all electoral officers against partisan involvement and administrative negligence as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​Speaking during an interactive strategic assessment and staff engagement session held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the INEC chief made it clear that strict neutrality and uncompromising professionalism remain non-negotiable standards for every member of the agency.
​Addressing state electoral commissioners, administrative officers, and field personnel, Prof. Amupitan underscored that public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process hinges entirely on the perceived and actual impartiality of its electoral officers.
​”You should not pick interest in any political party. Be neutral, firm, and transparent,” Amupitan charged the staff. “As an unbiased umpire, the question must never be ‘Who will benefit from this decision?’ but always ‘What does the law require me to do?’ Informal shortcuts and political patronage will not be tolerated under my leadership.”
​He cautioned that staff caught compromising electoral integrity, delaying polling unit operations, or aiding partisan interests would face immediate disciplinary sanctions, termination of employment, and potential prosecution.
​To eliminate financial inducements and boost institutional morale ahead of the polls, the Chairman disclosed that the Commission is actively working with relevant federal government agencies to secure cash backing for an enhanced salary and allowance structure for INEC personnel.
​”We are pushing for this new salary structure so that no staff member is easily induced before, during, or after elections,” he noted.
​In addition to financial reforms, Prof. Amupitan highlighted logistical investments already deployed to state operations, including the delivery of operational pickup vehicles to state offices and the procurement of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
​Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, reiterated the electoral body’s commitment to delivering a transparent election cycle.
​Olumekun confirmed that comprehensive training and retraining programs will soon commence for all operational staff across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The retraining will focus heavily on updated technological tools, election logistics, and compliance with guidelines under the amended Electoral Act.
