The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has declared that there will be zero tolerance for misconduct by electoral officials ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that any form of compromise would attract severe sanctions.
Speaking on Friday during an official working visit and interactive session with management and staff at the INEC headquarters in Minna, Niger State, Amupitan said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend largely on the integrity and professionalism of the commission’s workforce.
He stressed that while exceptional performance would be rewarded, officials found culpable of misconduct would face stiff disciplinary measures.
“We must learn from the lessons of past elections. There should be no compromise whatsoever. We have decided to introduce rewards for hard work, but if there is any misconduct, there will be serious consequences,” he said.
The INEC chairman urged members of staff to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities, describing them as ambassadors of the electoral body whose conduct would shape both national and international perceptions of Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Work hard, work selflessly, shun corruption, and let us give the Nigerian people what they truly desire,” he charged.
Amupitan disclosed that the commission had begun implementing reforms aimed at strengthening electoral operations before the 2027 polls, including improvements in logistics, office infrastructure and transportation across state offices.
According to him, the reforms are designed to eliminate operational shortcomings experienced during previous elections and enhance the commission’s overall performance.
“We do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past. My goal is to ensure that we improve on our performance continuously,” he stated.
The INEC chairman also reminded staff that preparations for the 2027 elections were already attracting significant international attention, revealing that election management bodies across Africa had expressed keen interest in observing Nigeria’s electoral process.
He said discussions during a recent African Union meeting in Egypt underscored the importance attached to Nigeria’s elections by the international community.
“The whole world, not just Nigerians, is looking up to INEC. I just returned from an African Union meeting in Egypt involving all the Electoral Management Bodies in Africa, and everyone expressed their desire to come and monitor Nigeria’s elections. So, the whole world is watching us. We must conduct the election in a highly professional manner,” he said.
Reflecting on his nine months in office, Amupitan reiterated his commitment to rebuilding public confidence in INEC through transparent, free, fair and credible elections, noting that restoring trust in the institution requires the dedication and integrity of officials at every level.
He also announced that the commission had commenced a comprehensive review of staff welfare packages nationwide, describing employee welfare as one of the first challenges he identified upon assuming office.
According to him, improving the welfare of INEC personnel is essential to boosting morale, enhancing productivity and safeguarding the commission’s independence.
“When I assumed office, I discovered that the welfare package for INEC staff was among the lowest in the country. To boost your morale, the commission decided to take this issue head-on. When the results begin to manifest, you will appreciate our commitment,” he assured.
