Television Nigerian

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned its staff against partisan leanings, administrative negligence and compromised ethics as preparations intensify for the 2027 general election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the warning on Monday in Kaduna while declaring open, the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 general election.

Amupitan told Electoral Officers, Heads of Departments and senior administrative staff from the North-West zone that the Commission would strictly enforce its code of conduct.

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“Partisan leaning, administrative negligence, or compromised ethics will not be tolerated,” he said, stressing that protecting INEC’s institutional integrity was non-negotiable.

The chairman said the conduct of field staff was central to electoral credibility, warning that late opening of polling units, perceived bias and poor responses to technical challenges could deepen voter apathy and fuel disinformation.

According to him, “the conduct, competence, and character of our staff in the field are either our strongest defence against fake news, or its biggest catalyst.”

Amupitan reminded officials of the oath of loyalty and neutrality required under Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026 for electoral officials and security personnel participating in elections.

He said the oath commits every officer to administering elections without favouring any candidate or political party.

“The question must never be ‘Who will benefit from this decision?’ but always ‘What does the law require me to do?’” he said.

He also cautioned staff against improvisation, directing them to strictly follow procedures provided under the Electoral Act 2026, the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2026 and guidelines for political parties.

He said operational difficulties should be escalated through formal institutional channels.

Amupitan stressed that a sound legal framework and modern technology alone could not guarantee electoral credibility.

“The credibility of an election depends on how faithfully the law is implemented by the officials entrusted with its administration,” he said.

Describing staff as the face of INEC in their communities, he said, “to the voter in a local ward, INEC is not the Chairman in Abuja; INEC is you.”

He urged officials to know the law, understand their responsibilities, remain neutral and document their actions, adding that administrative decisions must withstand public scrutiny and judicial review.

The chairman said the Kaduna meeting was part of a six-zone Interactive Meetings and Readiness Assessment tour ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the Commission was breaking more than two decades of practice by having its leadership participate directly in the zonal engagements.

Amupitan recalled the Commission’s performance in recent off-cycle elections, particularly the Osun State Governorship Election, but cautioned that the 2027 polls would be a simultaneous national exercise across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Presidential and National Assembly Elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

Staff Welfare
On staff welfare, Amupitan said INEC was implementing a new salary and welfare package, noting that the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure (CEMBSS) was established effective January 1, 2026, moving the workforce out of the regular Civil Service structure.

He added that overheads to State Offices were increased by 150 per cent from July 1, 2026.

He also announced the procurement and distribution of new operational pick-up vehicles to State Offices and Local Government Areas nationwide to improve staff mobility, security and operational efficiency.

Earlier, Supervising National Commissioner for Kaduna, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Kaduna meeting was the second in the six-zone tour after Lagos.

Haruna disclosed that collection of newly printed Permanent Voter Cards would commence early next month, urging traditional rulers to encourage eligible citizens to collect their cards and exercise their right to vote.

Director of Planning and Monitoring, Helen Ajayi, said the exercise was designed to assess states’ preparedness and identify operational challenges ahead of the elections.

She added that the sessions would ensure staff remained aligned with the Commission’s Code of Conduct.

Directors and representatives from relevant departments also made presentations on their areas of responsibility and preparations for the 2027 elections.