INEC Chairman Amupitan Urges Staff to Uphold Neutrality

On September 28, 2026, Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), addressed staff in Kaduna, warning against partisanship, administrative negligence, and compromised ethics as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. During the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting, he stressed that the Commission would strictly enforce its Code of Conduct, stating that protecting INEC’s institutional integrity is essential.

Amupitan highlighted that the conduct of field staff is crucial for the credibility of elections, noting that any failure in administrative execution could lead to false narratives and voter apathy. He reminded officials of their oath of loyalty and neutrality under Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires them to administer elections impartially.

He cautioned against informal shortcuts in election administration and directed that operational difficulties be escalated through formal channels. Amupitan concluded by asserting that the credibility of elections depends on how faithfully the law is implemented by officials.