The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has urged staff of the Commission to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity as preparations gradually intensify for the 2027 General Election.
Prof. Amupitan gave the charge on Thursday during a visit to the Commission’s state office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while attending a technical workshop held in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area to review key aspects of electoral administration.
Addressing staff after inspecting voter registration centres in Ikot Ekpene, the INEC Chairman said Nigerians expect the Commission to deliver credible, free and fair elections, stressing that meeting such expectations requires dedication and professionalism from every member of staff.
“Nigerians expect the Commission to deliver credible, free and fair elections. That expectation places a responsibility on every member of staff to uphold professionalism, transparency and integrity at all times,” he said.
Amupitan noted that the Commission had already begun laying the groundwork for the 2027 elections through internal reviews, technical engagements and operational improvements aimed at strengthening the electoral process.
“If you want to predict the future, you create it. What we are doing now, including this retreat, is to begin to create what the 2027 election should look like,” he added.
The INEC Chairman also highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the voter register. He explained that the ongoing Voter Revalidation Exercise was designed to eliminate duplicate registrations and remove the names of deceased persons from the voter database.
He said the Commission would continue to collaborate with key national data institutions, including the National Population Commission and the National Identity Management Commission, to enhance the accuracy of population records and ensure that only eligible citizens are included in the voter register.
Amupitan further assured staff of the Commission’s commitment to improving their welfare and career development. According to him, plans are underway to establish a specialised professional cadre for INEC personnel to recognise the technical nature of election management and the risks associated with the responsibility.
He also congratulated staff recently promoted during the Commission’s latest promotion exercise and reiterated INEC’s commitment to improving working conditions and retirement benefits.
On election technology, the INEC Chairman urged staff to ensure that all electoral innovations introduced by the Commission, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), remain fully operational and ready for deployment ahead of future elections.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Obo Effanga, said the Chairman’s visit provided an opportunity for direct engagement with staff implementing the Commission’s mandate in the state.
Effanga noted that although the Commission was in Ikot Ekpene for a technical workshop, the visit to the state office in Uyo enabled the Chairman to interact with personnel and gain firsthand insight into their work.
The INEC Chairman was accompanied on the visit by National Commissioners Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Prof. Rhoda Gumus and A.T. Yusuf, as well as technical aides to the Chairman.
