The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on its staff and Nigerians to uphold accountability, discipline, and integrity as preparations intensify for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the appeal in his Eid-el-Fitr message, describing the end of Ramadan as “a victory of the spirit over the self” and urging renewed commitment to credible electoral processes. He emphasized that the Ekiti and Osun elections would serve as tests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Amupitan urged INEC staff nationwide to maintain a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, noting that professionalism is non-negotiable. He highlighted the lessons of Ramadan—patience, integrity, and empathy—as essential virtues to guide the electoral process, strengthen public confidence, and tackle voter apathy.
The chairman also noted the symbolic overlap of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season as a moment of unity and shared responsibility, reinforcing the values of collective commitment in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
In addition, Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to staff welfare, including the reintroduction of institutional gatherings like Iftar to boost morale and ensure a motivated workforce resistant to external pressures.
He highlighted that the 2026 Electoral Act mandates stricter compliance with technological innovations, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, to enhance transparency and credibility in elections.
