Amupitan warns INEC staff members against partisanship

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) yesterday warned staff against partisan politics.

He said the commission would not tolerate unprofessional or unethical conduct before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan spoke in Enugu during an interactive session with over 600 INEC staff from the Southeast as part of the commission’s zonal readiness assessment ahead of the elections.

He urged electoral officers to remain neutral in their words and actions, warning that any display of political affiliation could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

“You should not pick interest in any political party: be neutral and firm.

“I am hearing that some of you are showing interest in some political parties. This is absolutely wrong,” he said.

The INEC chairman said the commission had introduced a reward and sanction mechanism covering staff at local government, state and national levels.

He urged personnel to be disciplined, diligent and impartial, stressing that the commission must strengthen public trust in its ability to conduct credible elections.

Amupitan said INEC was also working to improve staff welfare by moving its personnel from the regular civil service salary structure to a special salary structure expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, subject to the necessary cash backing.

“We want the new salary structure so that you will not easily be induced before, during and after the election,” he said. 

He added that the commission was working with relevant government agencies to secure the funding required for the new structure.

On preparations for the 2027 elections, Amupitan said INEC had begun receiving election materials and awarding contracts for other supplies and facility upgrades.

He said the Enugu State office had received 10 new pickup vans, adding that more vehicles and logistics support were expected.

“We have got our non-sensitive materials ready, while we are awarding contracts for other materials needed in the election as well as sensitive materials,” he said.

The chairman said the commission would soon commence extensive training and retraining of personnel to prepare them for their responsibilities, particularly in view of new guidelines and regulations introduced under the amended Electoral Act.

He said INEC was developing training materials that staff could access beyond face-to-face sessions, while selected personnel would train other election workers.

Amupitan described the 2027 general election as a critical test of the commission’s preparedness, emphasising that effective logistics, professionalism and proper management of election results were essential to credible polls.

The Enugu visit is part of INEC’s nationwide physical assessment tour, following similar exercises in the Southwest, Northcentral and Northwest.

The chairman was also scheduled to interact with traditional rulers and other electoral stakeholders in the Southeast as part of efforts to promote peaceful elections through stronger collaboration with community leaders.