2027: ‘You Cannot Afford to Fail Nigeria,’ INEC Chairman Warns Staff

By Iyojo Ameh

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has warned staff of the commission against compromising the electoral process, declaring that they “cannot afford to fail Nigeria” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an official working visit to the INEC headquarters in Minna on Friday, Amupitan urged members of staff to conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism and impartiality, noting that the credibility of the country’s democracy rests on the commission’s ability to deliver free, fair and credible elections.

He said Nigerians, the African Union and the wider international community were closely watching preparations for the 2027 polls, making it imperative for INEC officials to uphold the highest ethical standards.

“The whole world, not just Nigerians, is looking up to INEC,” he said, revealing that discussions at a recent meeting of African Electoral Management Bodies in Egypt reflected growing international interest in Nigeria’s next general election.

The INEC chairman reminded staff that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027.

According to him, the commission has begun strengthening its operational capacity by upgrading logistics, transport facilities and infrastructure across its offices nationwide to ensure a more efficient electoral process.

“We do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past. Our commitment is to improve continuously and deliver elections that Nigerians can trust,” he said.

Amupitan, who assumed office about nine months ago, said rebuilding public confidence in INEC remains one of his administration’s top priorities.

He stressed that while outstanding performance would be recognised and rewarded, any staff found engaging in misconduct or compromising the electoral process would face severe disciplinary action.

“There should be no compromise. Work hard, work selflessly, reject corruption and help us deliver the transparent elections Nigerians deserve,” he charged.

The INEC chairman also announced that the commission had commenced a comprehensive review of staff welfare packages, describing improved employee welfare as critical to boosting morale and enhancing productivity.

He noted that one of the first challenges he identified upon taking office was the poor welfare conditions of INEC personnel, assuring staff that efforts were underway to address the issue.

Amupitan added that a credible electoral process is essential to Nigeria’s democratic stability and national development, stressing that the commission would continue implementing reforms to strengthen public confidence in future elections.

During the visit, he also inspected the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise at the commission’s office in Minna.