The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has issued a stern warning to staff of the commission against manipulating election results or engaging in acts capable of undermining the credibility of elections in the country.
Amupitan issued the warning while addressing staff of the commission in Ekiti State.
He stressed that there would be serious consequences for any official found compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
The INEC chairman reminded electoral officials of the legal responsibilities attached to their roles in the conduct of elections, urging them to uphold professionalism, transparency and integrity before, during and after the poll.
He said: “The Ekiti governorship election would serve as a major test for the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that both Nigerians and the international community expected nothing short of excellent performance from the electoral body.
“The world expects 105 per cent performance from the commission,” he told the staff, particularly Electoral Officers, while emphasising the need for them to discharge their duties without bias or misconduct.
Amupitan assured workers that the commission was closely monitoring the activities and conduct of all personnel involved in the election process. He added that staff members who distinguished themselves through exceptional performance and commitment to credible elections would be adequately rewarded.
He disclosed that incentives for outstanding officials could include accelerated career advancement and even double promotions where necessary, describing such measures as part of efforts to encourage dedication and integrity among workers.
The INEC chairman also reiterated the commission’s commitment to staff welfare, saying the management was working towards securing an improved salary structure for workers nationwide.
However, he lamented that the current financial resources available to the commission were insufficient to provide the level of welfare packages deserved by staff.
Amupitan explained that despite INEC being placed on the first-line charge of the federation account, the commission still operated under the envelope budgeting system, which he said had limited its financial flexibility and capacity to adequately cater for workers’ welfare needs.
He nevertheless assured employees that the leadership of the commission remained committed to improving their working conditions while ensuring the conduct of free, fair and credible elections across the country.
