Eid-el-Fitr: INEC Chair tasks staff on discipline, success of Ekiti and Osun governorship polls

*Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, urges staff to ensure that discipline is reflected in a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct towards ending voter apathy while rebuilding public trust in the country’s electoral system

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged the Commission’s workforce, and Nigerians in general to translate the discipline imbibed during the Holy Month of Ramadan into a renewed commitment to electoral integrity in the West African country.

Amupitan, who stated this in a special Eid-el-Fitr message issued from the Commission’s Headquarters Friday, March 20, 2026, in Abuja, FCT, described the conclusion of the fasting as a victory of the spirit over the self.

Mr. Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary (CPS)/Media Adviser to Chairman of INEC, stated Prof. Amupitan said the period was a foundational moment for the Commission, as the electoral umpire prepares for the critical 2026 off-cycle elections in Ekiti, Osun states, as well as the 2027 General Elections.

Highlighting a rare and beautiful coincidence between the two faiths, he observed this year’s Ramadan occurred concurrently with the Christian Lenten period.

Amupitan also emphasised that the simultaneous intercession of both Christianity and Islam within the Commission has reinforced a shared responsibility towards the Nigerian Project.

The Chairman of the Commission further stated: “Seeing both faiths within the Commission engaged in simultaneous fasting and intercession reinforces my belief in our shared humanity.

“The lessons of Ramadan —patience, integrity, and empathy— are the very virtues we require as we approach the critical milestones of 2026.”

Staff welfare remains central pillar of leadership, says Amupitan

Addressing the over 14,000 INEC staff spread across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), the INEC Chief reaffirmed staff welfare remains a central pillar of his leadership.

According to him, the recent organisation of the Iftar at the Commission (the first such institutional gathering in eight years) was as a testament to his staff-first policy.

The Chairman stressed a firm reminder that professional excellence is a non-negotiable standard.

Amupitan, therefore, urged staff to ensure that discipline is reflected in a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, aimed at ending voter apathy and rebuilding public trust.

It is equally noted the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr message came at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey under the leadership of Prof. Amupitan.

Since assuming office October 23, 2025, the Chairman has moved aggressively to modernise the Commission’s operations and restore institutional memory, stated INEC.

It said the Commission is currently operating under the framework of the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026.

The framework mandates stricter adherence to technological innovations, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

On Ekiti, Osun governorship elections

The statement noted INEC said the upcoming Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections would serve as the immediate litmus test for these reforms.

The Chairman has consistently framed these polls as the ultimate test before the 2027 General Elections, it said.

With a workforce of over 14,000, the Commission is prioritising internal discipline alongside enhanced working conditions, recognising that a motivated workforce is the best defence against external political pressure.

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