By Our Correspondent
National News – The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called on Nigerians and electoral officials to maintain discipline, integrity, and accountability as preparations intensify for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
Amupitan made the appeal in his 2026 Eid-el-Fitr message to staff of the commission, stressing that the lessons of the Ramadan fast—patience, honesty, and empathy—should guide their actions as the country moves closer to key electoral milestones.
According to him, the forthcoming elections will serve as an important test of the commission’s readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The INEC chairman urged the commission’s workforce of more than 14,000 employees nationwide to maintain a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, noting that professionalism and transparency remain essential to credible elections.
He added that discipline among staff members must translate into stronger commitment to electoral integrity and improved public confidence in the democratic process.
Amupitan also highlighted the significance of Ramadan coinciding with the Christian Lenten season, describing it as a symbolic moment that reflects unity and shared responsibility among Nigerians.
He said the simultaneous religious observances demonstrate the importance of moral values and collective dedication to strengthening the nation’s democracy.
While addressing staff welfare, the INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to improving working conditions.
He explained that initiatives aimed at boosting staff morale—including the reintroduction of institutional gatherings such as Iftar—were designed to foster unity and encourage dedication to duty.
According to him, a motivated workforce is better equipped to resist external pressures and maintain professional standards during elections.
Amupitan further noted that the commission is implementing provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which emphasises stronger compliance with technological innovations in election management.
These measures include the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal to enhance transparency, efficiency, and credibility in the electoral process.
He described the forthcoming governorship elections as a critical opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of the commission’s reforms.
Amupitan therefore urged both INEC staff and Nigerians to uphold the values of integrity, responsibility, and service beyond the Ramadan celebration, stressing that such commitment remains vital to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
