INEC Chairman Advises Staff To Avoid Political Bias

In order to guaranty transparent elections in 2027, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has charged the commission’s employees with professionalism and urged them to show no interest in any political party.

According to Amupitan, commission employees must perform their electoral duties with impartiality and professionalism.

Shortly after arriving in Enugu on Monday, he led an interactive meeting with INEC employees from the Southeast.

“You should not pick interest in any political party: be neutral and firm,” he added, advising the staff to avoid partisan politics.

“I am hearing that some of you are showing interest in some political parties. This is absolutely wrong.

“The commission wants you to be neutral and professional both in your words and actions.

“The commission will not take unprofessional or unethical electoral conduct from any staff.

“We have instituted a reward and sanction mechanism even from local government area, states and to even national level.”

“This new special salary structure will take effect from Jan. 1, 2027 and it is for benefit of staff across as all cadre and levels.

“We want the new salary structure so that you will not easily be induced before, during and after election.

“We are working with other relevant governmental agencies and commissions to make the cash backing for the new salary structure possible,” he said.

He urged all staff to ensure that they return the trust of the people to the commission’s programmes and activities.

“As an unbiased umpire, we needed to up the confidence and trust the people repose on us by being discipline and diligent to our duties at all times,” he said.

Amupitan also said that the commission was making provisions for logistics and already given INEC Enugu office 10 new pick-up vans.

“More logistics is coming as we ensure adequate preparation for the General Election.

“We have got our non sensitive materials ready; while we are awarding contracts for other materials needed in the election as well as sensitive materials as well.

“Massive training and retraining will commence soon and the retraining is imperative given new guidelines and regulations introduced into the Amended Electoral Act.”

INEC staff are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, remain unbiased and impartial, and carry out their duties diligently. Their commitment should be to serve the people and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.