The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged its staff and Nigerians to uphold accountability, discipline, and integrity as preparations continue for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, in a message to Muslim faithful marking the end of the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr, described the elections as critical tests ahead of the 2027 general polls. He emphasized that the virtues of Ramadan—patience, integrity, and empathy—should guide staff conduct and public engagement during the elections.
Amupitan highlighted the importance of professionalism and a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct to tackle voter apathy and restore confidence in the electoral system. He also noted the symbolic convergence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season as a reminder of collective responsibility in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to staff welfare, including institutional initiatives like Iftar gatherings to boost morale, and stressed that a motivated workforce is essential to resist external political pressures. He further confirmed that the commission is operating under the Electoral Act 2026, deploying technological tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal to enhance election transparency and credibility.