The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has warned INEC staff against partisan politics, insisting that electoral officials remain neutral and professional ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amupitan gave the warning on Monday during an interactive session with INEC staff from the South-East region shortly after arriving in Enugu on a working visit to engage traditional rulers and electoral stakeholders.He said the commission would not tolerate unethical conduct or actions capable of undermining 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.
“The commission wants you to be neutral and professional, both in your words and actions. The commission will not tolerate unprofessional or unethical electoral conduct from any staff,” he said.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission had introduced a reward and sanction mechanism covering its local government, state and national offices to strengthen discipline and accountability among personnel.
He announced plans to move staff from the conventional civil service salary structure to a special salary structure, which he said would take effect from January 1, 2027.
According to him, the move is intended to improve staff welfare and reduce the risk of electoral officials being induced before, during and after elections.
“We want the new salary structure so that you will not easily be induced before, during and after election.
“We are working with other relevant governmental agencies and commissions to make the cash backing for the new salary structure possible,” he said.
Amupitan urged staff to remain diligent and help rebuild public trust in the commission, stressing that their conduct was central to the credibility of elections.
“As an unbiased umpire, we need to improve the confidence and trust the people repose in us by being disciplined and diligent in the discharge of our duties at all times,” he said.
On preparations for the 2027 general election, the INEC chairman disclosed that the commission had provided its Enugu office with 10 new pickup vans, adding that more logistics would be made available.
He said non-sensitive election materials were ready, while contracts for other required materials, including sensitive materials, were being processed.
Amupitan also said massive training and retraining exercises would begin soon to prepare personnel for the new guidelines and regulations introduced under the amended Electoral Act.
“Massive training and retraining will commence soon. The retraining is imperative, given the new guidelines and regulations introduced into the amended Electoral Act,” he added
