2027: We must demonstrate highest standard of professionalism, says INEC chairman
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has challenged commission staff to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity in discharging their duties ahead
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has challenged commission staff to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity in discharging their duties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to the staff of three HR commissions in Uyo, the INEC Chairman reminded them of Nigerians' high expectations for a credible election.
He said the credibility of future elections would depend largely on the quality of preparation and commitment demonstrated by the Commission’s personnel today.
He said, “Nigerians expect the Commission to deliver credible, free, and fair elections. That expectation places a responsibility on every staff member to uphold professionalism, transparency, and integrity at all times.”
He also told them that the Commission has already begun laying the foundation for the 2027 General Election through a series of internal reviews, technical engagements, and operational improvements designed to strengthen the electoral process.
“If you want to predict the future, you create it,” he added. “What we are doing now, including this retreat, is to begin creating what the 2027 election should look like.”
He highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the voter register, noting that the ongoing Voter Revalidation Exercise aimed at eliminating duplicate registrations and removing the names of deceased persons from the register.
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Prof. Amupitan said the Commission would continue to deepen collaboration with key national data institutions such as the National Population Commission and the National Identity Management Commission to improve population data accuracy and ensure only eligible citizens are captured on the voter register.
He assured staff that the Commission remains committed to improving their welfare and career development, adding that efforts were underway to establish a specialised professional cadre for INEC personnel to better recognise the technical nature of election management and the risks associated with the responsibility.
On election technology, the Chairman urged staff to ensure that all electoral innovations introduced by the Commission, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, remain fully operational and ready for deployment ahead of future elections.
He reminded them that the credibility of elections, and ultimately public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy, rests significantly on the diligence and commitment of the Commission’s workforce.
Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa-Ibom State, Obo Effanga, said the Chairman’s visit provided a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with staff working to implement the Commission’s mandate in the state.
He 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 appreciate firsthand the efforts of staff serving the people of the state.
The INEC chairman was accompanied on the visit by National Commissioners, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, and A. T. Yusuf, alongside the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State and Technical Aides to the chairman.
