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Tag: Inec

  • NNPP disowns planned protest against INEC

    NNPP disowns planned protest against INEC

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has dissociated itself from a planned protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

    In a statement issued on Monday by its National Secretariat in Abuja, the party said reports linking it to the planned demonstration at INEC offices in Abuja and across the states were false.

    The statement was signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Bamofin Ladipo Johnson.

    According to the NNPP, the protest was being organised by an “illegal body” falsely claiming to act on behalf of the party.

    It said the individuals behind the planned action are not members of the NNPP, citing a judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The party referred to Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1354/2024, decided on April 18, 2024, in which Justice Emeka Nwite affirmed that the group had ceased to be members of the NNPP following their expulsion by the party’s appropriate organs.

    The NNPP said the individuals had not appealed the judgment but were instead engaged in what it described as “forum shopping” in search of court orders without legal basis.

    “They go to the courts hiding the facts of the matter, and once the courts hear the correct story, they will discard them,” the statement said.

    The party reiterated that it is not involved in any protest against INEC and described those behind the planned demonstration as impostors.

    It also urged its members nationwide to remain calm and not be provoked, saying the alleged actions were aimed at distracting the party from its objectives.

  • INEC Oyo to rotate voter enrolment devices across state registration areas

    INEC Oyo to rotate voter enrolment devices across state registration areas

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Oyo State is set to implement a statewide rotational deployment of its Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) across all 351 registration areas.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Adeniran Tella explained that the initiative aims to address accessibility challenges encountered during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    Speaking to the press at the INEC Collation Centre on Wednesday, Prof. Tella said a 50-day rotational schedule has been designed to ensure enrolment services reach every part of the state.

    According to The Nation, the first phase of the CVR, which concluded on December 10, 2025, recorded a total of 2,572,054 completed registrations in Oyo State.

    In the second phase, which began on Monday, January 5, 2026, the REC reported that at least 551 individuals had registered within the first three days. He added that the exercise is scheduled to conclude on Friday, April 17, 2026, in line with the approved timeline.

    Professor Tella said, “Having reviewed the challenges and feedback from the initial phase, one message was clear: accessibility remains a key hurdle. To bridge the gap, however, the Commission is implementing a pioneering statewide strategy, which is the rotational movement of the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED) machine across 351 registration areas.

    “For this phase, we shall not adopt a static approach. Instead, our IVED machine will be mobile. The Commission has meticulously designed a 50-day rotational schedule to ensure that our enrolment services reach every corner of the state.

    “The machines will be moved systematically starting from Monday, February 9th, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM daily, excluding weekends and public holidays, across all the 351 registration areas (RAs) in the state.

    “Please note that registration of eligible voters will continue at both the state office and all the 33 local government areas, during the movement of the IVED machines on a rotational basis at the 351 RA in the state.”

    Read Also: INEC recommits to conducting fair, credible polls

    He explained further that, in addition to the rotational movement of the IVED machines, stakeholders meeting comprising political parties and security personnel, NGOs/CSOs, traditional leaders, religious leaders, market women/men, youths, People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) and other relevant stakeholders, would also be organised at both the state and respective LGAs offices across the state.

    He said this will enhance effective dissemination of information, deployment of security men and materials at the agreed venues and dates for each RA.

    He added that the schedule for the movement will be uploaded on the INEC website for easy accessibility by the prospective registrants.

    He reiterated that the objective of the rotational movement is “to bring Voter registration closer to your doorstep, particularly for eligible registrants in remote, rural, and underserved communities that are yet to register or just turned 18years of age.

    “It is also meant for those who have lost their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) or have their PVCs defaced or damaged. Or for those that will like to change their polling units from one ward or State to another.

    “Please note that the CVR exercise is also meant for those who have not yet collected their unclaimed PVCs, to do so at their respective LGAs being registered before, as the Commission still has quite several uncollected PVCs in all the 33 LGA offices across the state.”

  • INEC recommits to conducting fair, credible polls

    INEC recommits to conducting fair, credible polls

    • Commission begins strategic preparation for 2027 elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is making early strategic preparations towards this year’s off-cycle elections and next year’s general election.

    The commission reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public confidence in the nation’s electoral process.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced this yesterday in Lagos at a leadership workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for the leadership of the electoral umpire.

    Amupitan, who described the workshop as timely, said the commission was navigating a critical period of leadership transition marked by changes at the top and the retirement of several directors and senior management workers after years of distinguished service to the nation.

    The INEC chairman said institutional continuity must be anchored on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership and unity of vision, rather than the mere preservation of structures.

    He noted that continuity does not imply sameness but the ability to faithfully carry forward INEC’s constitutional mandate while adapting to emerging realities with insight and resolve.

    Commenting on this year’s off-cycle elections and the 2027 general election, the INEC chairman said Nigerians expect an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct and credible in its outcomes.

    According to him, these expectations informed the commission’s ongoing induction and strategic retreat aimed at setting a clear direction for 2027 and beyond.

    Amupitan noted that despite significant reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023, public confidence in the electoral process has remained fragile.

    The INEC chairman warned that democracy cannot thrive without trust, saying misinformation and disinformation have increasingly undermined confidence in elections.

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    “In an era where fake news travels faster than the truth, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against orchestrated falsehoods, even before the first vote is cast,” he said.

    Amupitan promised that under his leadership, the INEC would remain firmly committed to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines.

    He added that rebuilding public confidence is a daily operational responsibility that guides every decision of the commission.

     IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Seray Jah, said the workshop marked the early strategic phase of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general election.

    The IFES director stressed that the credibility of elections is largely shaped by the decisions taken early in the electoral cycle.

    He said the organization has been partnering the INEC since 1998 in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system through support for strategic planning, election operations, technology deployment, institutional reform and inclusion.

    According to him, the workshop provided INEC’s leadership with an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges, including increasingly complex logistics, the responsible use of technology, misinformation and AI-driven risks, internal coordination, and public confidence in a highly polarised environment.

    Jah reaffirmed IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 electoral cycle and beyond, acknowledging the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in promoting electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.

    The three-day workshop brought together INEC national commissioners, senior management workers and international partners to deliberate on strategic opportunities and challenges in electoral administration, with a focus on leadership, institutional resilience and public trust.

  • INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

    INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has begun early strategic preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections,  reaffirming commitment to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.

     Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan disclosed  this on Tuesday while speaking  at a Leadership Workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for the leadership of the electoral umpire in Lagos.

    Amupitan, who described the workshop as timely, said  the Commission was navigating a critical period of leadership transition marked by changes at the top and the retirement of several directors and senior management staff after years of distinguished service to the nation.

     He said institutional continuity must be anchored on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership and unity of vision, rather than the mere preservation of structures, adding that continuity does not imply sameness but the ability to faithfully carry forward INEC’s constitutional mandate while adapting to emerging realities with insight and resolve.

    Speaking specifically on the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections, the INEC Chairman said Nigerians expect an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct and credible in its outcomes. 

    Read Also: INEC: why LP can’t participate in FCT Area Council polls

    According to him, these expectations informed the Commission’s ongoing induction and strategic retreat aimed at setting a clear direction for 2027 and beyond.

    He said  despite significant reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023, public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile and  warned that democracy cannot thrive without trust, noting that misinformation and disinformation have increasingly undermined confidence in elections.

    “In an era where fake news travels faster than the truth, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against orchestrated falsehoods even before the first vote is cast,” he said.

    Amupitan said under his leadership, the Commission remains firmly committed to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines. He added that rebuilding public confidence is a daily operational responsibility that guides every decision of the Commission.

     IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Seray Jah, said the workshop marks the early strategic phase of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 General Election, stressing that the credibility of elections is largely shaped by decisions taken early in the electoral cycle.

    He said IFES has partnered with INEC since 1998 in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system through support for strategic planning, election operations, technology deployment, institutional reform and inclusion.

    According to him, the workshop provides INEC’s leadership with an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges, including increasingly complex logistics, the responsible use of technology, misinformation and AI-driven risks, internal coordination, and public confidence in a highly polarised environment.

    Jah reaffirmed IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 electoral cycle and beyond, while also acknowledging the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in promoting electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.

    The three-day workshop brought together INEC National Commissioners, senior management staff and international partners to deliberate on strategic opportunities and challenges in electoral administration, with a focus on leadership, institutional resilience and public trust.

  • INEC cautions against multiple voters’ registration in Ekiti

    INEC cautions against multiple voters’ registration in Ekiti

    The Independent National Electoral Commission has cautioned residents of Ekiti State against multiple registrations in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, warning that offenders will face sanctions in line with the law.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, gave the warning on Monday while speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti during the announcement of the commencement of the second phase of the CVR exercise across the 16 local government areas of the state.

    Omoseyindemi said that anyone found engaging in multiple registration or other infractions would be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    He explained that the second phase of the CVR was designed to give another opportunity to eligible citizens who were unable to register during the earlier phase, particularly young Nigerians who had recently attained the age of 18.

     He urged political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to mobilise unregistered residents to participate in the exercise ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

    The REC noted that the resumption of the CVR followed its suspension on December 10, 2025, to allow for the display of the preliminary voters’ register for claims and objections.

    READ ALSO; FUNKE AKINDELE: Undisputed queen of Nigerian Box Office

    According to him, the process enabled registrants to verify their details and request corrections where necessary, thereby improving the credibility of the register.

    He stressed that voter registration remained a fundamental civic responsibility and a critical pillar of democratic participation, adding that no eligible citizen should be excluded from the electoral process due to ignorance or lack of information.

    The REC assured residents that INEC had put measures in place to detect and prevent electoral offences, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to conducting a transparent, inclusive and credible voter registration exercise across all designated registration centres in Ekiti State.

  • 2027, opportunity to re-write history of elections – INEC

    2027, opportunity to re-write history of elections – INEC

    • Amupitan unveils reform agenda, targets world-class polls

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  Chairman,  Joash Amupitan,  yesterday unveiled his reform agenda in the commission ahead of next year’s  elections.

    Top of the agenda is to make the elections a world class standard and a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history.

    Amupitan ,a Senior Advocate of Nigeria ,assumed duties as INEC chairman on October 23,2025 in succession to Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

    Speaking in Lagos at the opening session of   an induction, orientation, and retreat for new and current National Commissioners of INEC from across the country,the chairman  said his plan was to make the commission  the No.1 election management body in Africa.

    The commission,according to him, has “a golden opportunity to rewrite the history of elections in Nigeria.”

    He added: “our goal is clear: The 2027 General Election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history.”

    He told the participants that the eyes of over 200 million Nigerians and indeed the entire continent “are upon us” and charged them to  “brace yourselves up.”

    “The work ahead is demanding, the hours will be long, and the scrutiny will be intense,” he warned.

    Continuing, Amupitan said:” Our goal is clear: The 2027 General Election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history. But we must aim even higher.

    Read Also: INEC, politicians and the 2027 General Elections

    “I want us to build an institution that is recognised globally. Let it be said that under our watch, INEC became the best Election Management Body in Africa —a beacon of integrity, a model of technological efficiency, and a fortress of democratic values.

    “Our success in 2027 must be more than a national victory. It must be a continental standard, a proof-of-concept that demonstrates that INEC can indeed conduct a world-class, technologically-driven, and transparent election that is beyond reproach.

    “Our mandate, which we should pursue rigorously, is built on five non-negotiable pillars. We are here to organise elections that are free from any form of interference; fair to all contestants and political parties; credible in the eyes of the global community; transparent in every process, from polling units to result collation; and inclusive of every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability or location.

    “In pursuing this mandate, we must recognise that 2027 will be defined by a new demographic of Nigerians —millions of young citizens who will be approaching the ballot box for the very first time. These are digital natives who demand transparency in real-time and have little patience for opacity.

    “It is our duty to prove to these tech-savvy, and often skeptical, young voters that INEC can be trusted. By ensuring our systems are inclusive and our technology is beyond reproach, we are not just conducting an election; we are securing the lifelong loyalty of Nigeria’s future to the ideals of the ballot.

    “I am particularly committed to the Legal Framework of Elections. We will navigate the 2022 Electoral Act and subsequent amendments with surgical precision. Let it be known that under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system.”

    He reaffirmed his commitment to the  welfare of the staff but stressed that “as we demand excellence, we will ensure you have the tools and the environment to succeed.”

    He vowed that there would be no  room for  compromise or misconduct, whether by omission or commission.

    He thanked the staff for the “successful, peaceful, and professional conduct”  of the November 8,2025 Anambra State off-cycle Governorship Election and said their  unwavering commitment during that exercise set a positive and formidable tone for my tenure as chairman of the Commission and “proven that we are more than capable of the great tasks ahead.”

     He described  next month’s FCT Area Council Elections in February 2026 and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states later in the year as  testing grounds for “our resolve and our readiness.” “They offer us the chance to refine our processes —from Voter Registry Management to the integrity of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)— ensuring that every technical and logistical gear is perfectly oiled before the grand national exercise of 2027,” he said.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos state, Prof. Ayobami Salami said the retreat was a significant milestone in the continuous evolution of the Commission; especially for reflection, strategic alignment and institutional consolidation.

     He said the retreat was  a strategic platform designed to strengthen leadership capacity, deepen institutional understanding, enhance operational preparedness and reaffirm our collective commitment to the constitutional mandate entrusted to the Commission, adding that public expectations of the electoral process are higher than ever, and “we must not drop the ball.

    “As we advance towards the 2027 General Election, the importance of early planning, strategic coordination and institutional cohesion cannot be overstated. The carefully curated sessions in this programme will no doubt, enrich our understanding and equip us with the tools required to discharge our duties effectively, with majesty of the spirit and fidelity of intention.”

  • INEC: why LP can’t participate in FCT Area Council polls

    INEC: why LP can’t participate in FCT Area Council polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it refused to give access code to the Labour Party (LP) to upload its list of candidates for the February 21 FCT Area Council elections.

    The election umpire alluded to a Supreme Court judgment as the reason for taking the action.

    The Supreme Court had, in its April 4, 2025 judgement, held that the tenure of the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) has expired.

    INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, explained the commission’s position in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    The director stated that the commission respected the judgment of the Supreme Court and would always abide by any valid order of the apex court and other courts of the land.

    She said despite the Supreme Court judgement, the Abure leadership instituted several cases against INEC in various courts, demanding access code to upload the list of the party’s candidates.

    Mrs. Eta-Messi stressed that there was no valid court order for the commission to act upon.

    The statement reads: “On Monday, January 5, 2026, some supporters of the Labour Party protested at the INEC headquarters, Abuja, complaining about the exclusion of their candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and demanded for the issuance of access code to upload its candidates for the election.

    Read Also: INEC, politicians and the 2027 General Elections

    “In response, the commission wishes to state that the Labour Party has been enmeshed in prolonged internal leadership disputes since 2024, which culminated in the judgment of the Supreme Court in Appeal Number SC/CV/56/2025 (Usman v. Labour Party) delivered on April 4, 2025.

    “In that decision, the apex court unequivocally held that the tenure of the Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee had expired. Despite this clear pronouncement, the Abure-led faction purportedly conducted primaries for the August 16, 2025, bye-election nationwide and the FCT Area Council election.

    “It is also pertinent to recall that the Abure-led faction instituted Suit Number FHC/ABJ/1523/2025 – Labour Party v. INEC at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the decision of INEC excluding it from participating in the bye-election.

    “Judgment was delivered on August 15, 2025, dismissing the suit and enforcing the Supreme Court’s position that Julius Abure was no longer recognised as the National Chairman of the Labour Party and thus upholding the decision of INEC to exclude the Labour Party from the bye-election.

    “Thereafter, the Labour Party filed multiple suits against INEC in different courts, all seeking orders compelling INEC to grant an access code for the upload of its candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

    “These suits include Suit Number NSD/LF.84/2024 before the Nasarawa State High Court, Akwanga Division. When the matter at the Nasarawa State High Court got stalled, the Labour Party approached the Federal High Court Abuja in Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/2110/2025 seeking an Order compelling INEC to issue Access Codes to its candidates and the matter is still pending before the court.

    “The Labour Party again approached the FCT High Court, Jabi Division in another fresh Suit Number CV/4792/2025 and filed a Motion seeking an order compelling INEC to issue Access Codes to its candidates for the FCT Area Council election.

    “The matter was adjourned, after INEC had filed its reply, to January 15, 2026 for the hearing of the motion. One would have expected the Party to wait for the hearing of this motion, but the Labour Party filed another suit in Suit Number CV/4930/2025 before the FCT High Court, Life Camp Division, seeking the same relief to compel INEC to grant Access Codes to upload its candidates for the FCT Area Council election.

    “By an order ex parte in this latest Suit Number CV/4930/2025, the FCT High Court sitting in Life Camp, Abuja granted an interim Order on December 16, 2025, directing the Commission to upload the names and particulars of the Labour Party candidates for the FCT Area Council election. The Court expressly stated that the Order would lapse after seven days unless extended.

    “Upon being served with the originating processes, INEC promptly filed its defence, challenging the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the court. The interim order consequently lapsed on December 23, 2025 and was not extended. Accordingly, there is presently no subsisting court order for INEC to act upon.

    “Given that the matter is sub judice, INEC will continue to respect the sanctity of the judicial process and await the final determination of the pending cases.

    “The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as its Regulations and Guidelines, and will continue to hold political parties accountable to democratic standards and the Rule of Law in the conduct of their internal affairs.”

  • INEC, politicians and the 2027 General Elections

    INEC, politicians and the 2027 General Elections

    • By Tochukwu Jimo Obi

    Sir: As Nigerians continue to bask in the euphoria of a new year, the political class appears to have shifted attention rapidly towards the 2027 General Election. Across the country, politicians and political parties have begun early strategising, consultations, and alignments, signalling that the race for power is already underway, barely midway into the current political cycle.

    This familiar pattern raises serious concerns. As has been observed repeatedly over the years, early politicking often comes at the expense of governance. Many elected officials find their attention divided between service delivery and political survival, a situation that has consistently weakened public institutions and slowed national development. The consequences are visible: stalled projects, poor policy execution, worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and decaying infrastructure.

    This trend is unfortunate and must not continue. Nigeria is at a critical point where citizens are yearning not for political drama, but for tangible improvements in their lives. Good governance, improved security, economic growth, job creation, and infrastructural development should remain the primary focus of those entrusted with public office.

    Against this backdrop, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) carries a heavy responsibility. Beyond promises, INEC must begin now to confront the persistent loopholes that undermined previous elections. Issues such as logistical failures, voter suppression, result manipulation, violence, and weak enforcement of electoral laws must be decisively addressed. The commission must also work closely with the National Assembly to ensure the timely passage of necessary amendments to the Electoral Act, strengthening the legal framework ahead of 2027.

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    Technology remains one of INEC’s most effective tools. Greater and smarter use of technology can significantly reduce human interference and electoral malpractice. From voter accreditation to result transmission, systems must be improved, secured, and made more transparent to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

    Most importantly, INEC should seriously consider conducting all elections in one day. There is no compelling justification for staggering elections over several days. A single-day election would save the country enormous financial resources, reduce political tension, limit manipulation, and simplify logistics and security arrangements.

    Beyond INEC, the responsibility for credible elections and effective governance is collective. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors must caution their appointees against abandoning governance for politics.

    Political parties, too, must play their part. Internal democracy should not be treated as a slogan. Parties must avoid imposing candidates on the electorate and instead allow transparent, credible processes that reflect the will of their members and the people.

    The 2027 General Election should not merely be another contest for power; it should be an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. Achieving this requires discipline from politicians, integrity from institutions, and vigilance from citizens. The work must begin now.

    •Tochukwu Jimo Obi,

    Obosi, Anambra State.

  • No timetable released yet for 2027 general election – INEC

    No timetable released yet for 2027 general election – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted reports that the Commission has released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.

    The Commission, in a statement by Adedayo Oketola, the CPS/ Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman , described the information as false and misleading, emphasising that INEC has not released any timetable or schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election.

    READ ALSO; Guru Maharaj Ji predicts Tinubu, APC’s victory in 2027

    “The Commission reiterates that it operates strictly within the provisions of the law. In particular, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that the Commission shall publish a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for a general election. Any timetable or schedule issued outside this statutory framework cannot emanate from INEC.”

    INEC went on to assure Nigerians that the official Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election will be released in due course, in full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022. When released, it will be communicated through the Commission’s established and verified channels.

    The Commission urges the public and the media to disregard the fake reports and always rely on information from INEC’s official platforms for accurate and authoritative updates.

  • New Year: INEC chair urges staff to build trusted electoral system

    New Year: INEC chair urges staff to build trusted electoral system

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has challenged staff and officials of the commission nationwide to work towards building an INEC that is trusted by all and a Nigeria where every eligible voter is empowered and every vote truly counts.

    The call was contained in his New Year message addressed to National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Resident Electoral Commissioners, Directors, and Administrative Secretaries, and posted on the commission’s X handle.

    Amupitan commended the resilience, patriotism, and dedication of INEC staff in delivering credible elections, while also drawing attention to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

    He said, “As we bid farewell to 2025 and cross the threshold into 2026, I greet you not as your chairman but as a fellow traveller on this noble journey of nation-building. The New Year is more than a change of calendar; it is a season of hope, a moment for renewal, and a time to deepen our faith in the Nigerian project.”

    “Reflecting on the year 2025, I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication throughout the year. From my assumption of office on October 23 to our successful conduct of the Anambra State Governorship Election, you have demonstrated that the sanctity of the ballot is, and will always be, our highest priority. 

    “We have shown that with discipline and unity, we can protest our democracy. As we look ahead to an exciting yet challenging year in 2026, we must fully prepare for the upcoming FCT Area Council Elections this February, as well as the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

    Read Also: Court warns INEC chair against disobeying order to recognise LP’s candidates for FCT polls

    “Additionally, our preparations for the General Flections are paramount, and l am confident that our collective efforts will ensure seamless and credible electoral processes. Our Goal is to deliver a free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive poll. 

    “In this New Year, let us renew our internal bond. I reaffirm my inaugural commitment to you which is that your welfare remains a top priority. We will continue to foster a workplace built on equity and environment where discipline is maintained, but where every staff member feels valued, protected, and equipped to excel.

    “I encourage each of you to brace yourselves far the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, let’s uphold the integrity and transparency of our electoral system as we continue to serve the people of Nigeria with excellence. 

    “Let us work together to build an INEC trusted by all and sundry and a Nigeria where every eligible voter is empowered and every vote truly counts.