Eid-el-Fitr: INEC Chairman Urges Integrity Ahead Of Elections

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has called on staff and Nigerians to uphold integrity, unity, and professionalism as the country approaches critical electoral milestones.

In his 2026 Eid-el-Fitr message shared on X (formerly twitter)on Friday, Amupitan congratulated Muslim staff of the Commission for successfully completing the Ramadan fast, describing Eid-el-Fitr as “a victory of the spirit over the self” and a time to translate the discipline of the holy month into daily conduct.

Addressing National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, Directors, and staff across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the INEC boss noted that this year’s Ramadan was particularly significant for the Commission. He highlighted that, for the first time in eight years, staff gathered for iftar as a deliberate effort to strengthen internal bonds and reinforce staff welfare and spiritual well-being.

Amupitan also pointed to the coincidence of Ramadan with the Christian Lenten season, describing it as a “rare and beautiful” moment that underscores shared values of sacrifice and devotion. He said the simultaneous observance of fasting by both Muslims and Christians reflects unity and collective responsibility toward nation-building.

Looking ahead, the INEC chairman stressed that the virtues of patience, integrity, and empathy—imbibed during Ramadan—would be crucial as the Commission prepares for upcoming elections, including the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship polls and the 2027 general elections.

He urged staff to channel the discipline of the fasting period into professional excellence, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and a renewed commitment to boosting voter confidence. “Our conduct must remain beyond reproach,” he stated, adding that the Commission must work to close the gap of voter apathy and ensure every vote counts.

Reaffirming his commitment to staff welfare, Amupitan described employees as a priority rather than a footnote, calling for a supportive work environment where every official feels valued, protected, and empowered.

He concluded by wishing staff and their families a peaceful Eid celebration, praying for renewed strength and continued dedication to building an electoral body that stands as a beacon of integrity.

“Eid Mubarak to you and your families. God bless our hardworking staff. God bless INEC. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.