INEC Chairman to Staff: Nigeria’s Democratic Future Depends on Credible 2027 Elections

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has challenged officials of the commission to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, warning that the credibility of the 2027 general elections, and Nigeria’s democratic future, rests on their shoulders.

Speaking during an interactive session with INEC management and staff at the commission’s Niger State headquarters in Minna on Friday, Amupitan said there would be zero tolerance for corruption or any act capable of undermining the electoral process.

He reminded staff that the eyes of Nigerians and the international community were firmly on the commission as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

“You are our ambassadors, and you cannot afford to fail. The whole world is looking up to INEC,” the chairman said, noting that electoral management bodies across Africa and international election observers have already expressed interest in monitoring the polls.

Amupitan disclosed that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.

He said the commission was strengthening its logistics, transportation and operational infrastructure nationwide to ensure a more efficient electoral process and prevent the challenges experienced in previous elections.

“We do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past. Our goal is to continue improving on our performance and deliver elections that inspire public confidence,” he stated.

The INEC chairman reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding trust in the electoral body through transparent, free and credible elections, stressing that achieving that objective depends largely on the conduct of staff at every level.

He announced that the commission would introduce a performance-based reward system for hardworking personnel while enforcing strict sanctions against any officer found guilty of misconduct.

“Work hard, work selflessly, reject corruption and let us give Nigerians the credible elections they deserve,” he urged.

On staff welfare, Amupitan said the commission had commenced a comprehensive review of employees’ welfare packages, describing improved welfare as essential to boosting morale and enhancing productivity.

He explained that poor staff welfare was one of the major issues he identified upon assuming office nine months ago and assured employees that reforms were already underway.

As part of his visit, the INEC chairman also inspected the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise at a registration centre within the commission’s state headquarters.