Eid-el-Fitr: INEC Chairman Urges Discipline, Sets Tone For Ekiti, Osun Polls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, has called on staff of the Commission and Nigerians at large to uphold the discipline cultivated during the holy month of Ramadan as the country approaches key electoral milestones.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, and released on Friday, the INEC Chairman described the end of Ramadan as a period of spiritual triumph, urging a translation of its values, discipline, patience, and integrity, into the nation’s electoral process.

Prof. Amupitan noted that this year’s Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lenten season, describing the overlap as a symbolic moment of unity and shared responsibility among Nigerians of different faiths toward strengthening democratic institutions.

“Seeing both faiths engaged in simultaneous fasting and reflection reinforces our shared humanity and collective duty to the Nigerian project,” he said, adding that the virtues of the season are critical as the Commission prepares for the 2026 off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 general elections.

Addressing INEC’s workforce of over 14,000 personnel across the country, the Chairman reiterated his administration’s commitment to staff welfare, citing the recent reintroduction of a Commission-wide Iftar gathering, the first in eight years, as part of efforts to boost morale and institutional cohesion.

He, however, stressed that improved welfare must be matched with strict professionalism, warning that misconduct would not be tolerated.

According to him, internal discipline remains essential to tackling voter apathy and restoring public confidence in the electoral system.

The message comes at a crucial period for INEC, as it intensifies preparations for upcoming elections under the Electoral Act 2026.

The Commission is expected to deploy key technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency and credibility.

With the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections serving as a major test run ahead of the 2027 general elections, Prof. Amupitan emphasised the need for diligence and accountability among staff, noting that a motivated and disciplined workforce remains the Commission’s strongest safeguard against undue external influence.