The Independent National Electoral Commission has urged its personnel and the general public to uphold discipline, accountability, and integrity as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State.
The call was made by the Commission’s Chairman, Joash Amupitan, in a message marking the end of Eid al-Fitr, where he linked the spiritual lessons of the season to the need for credible electoral conduct.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan described the conclusion of Ramadan as a triumph of discipline and self-control, urging staff to translate those virtues into their professional duties.
He characterised the upcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun as critical tests ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process would depend largely on the conduct of officials.
The INEC chairman emphasised a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, noting that professionalism and ethical standards must remain non-negotiable at all levels of the commission.
According to him, reinforcing these values is essential in addressing voter apathy and restoring public trust in the electoral system.
Amupitan also highlighted the coincidence of Ramadan with the Christian Lenten season, describing it as a powerful symbol of unity and shared national responsibility.
He said the simultaneous observance of fasting and reflection by adherents of both faiths underscores the importance of collective commitment to strengthening democracy in the country.
Describing the period as pivotal, the chairman noted that the success of the forthcoming elections would serve as a measure of the commission’s readiness and the effectiveness of recent reforms.
He further reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to staff welfare, pointing to initiatives aimed at boosting morale, including the reintroduction of institutional gatherings such as Iftar.
Amupitan explained that improving working conditions is key to ensuring that staff remain motivated and resistant to undue external influence.
He also disclosed that the commission is operating under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates stricter adherence to technological innovations designed to enhance transparency.
These include the deployment of systems such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, both aimed at improving the credibility and openness of the electoral process.
The chairman urged both staff and citizens to sustain the values of discipline, integrity, and service beyond the festive period, noting that these principles are vital to the country’s democratic progress.
