INEC Chairman Emphasizes Integrity Ahead of 2027 Elections
Professor Joash Ampitane (SAN), the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has issued a stern warning to commission officials regarding potential fraud during the upcoming 2027 general elections. He made it clear that any officials found guilty of misconduct would face serious repercussions, while those who demonstrate diligence and professionalism will be duly recognized and rewarded.
Encouraging Professionalism Among Staff
Ampitan delivered this message during a recent dialogue session with the management and staff at the INEC headquarters in Minna, Niger State. As the commission gears up for the elections, he reminded the staff that they serve as the public face of the electoral body. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, emphasizing that the success of the 2027 elections largely rests on their actions.
Global Attention on Nigeria’s Elections
“You are our ambassadors, and failure is not an option,” he stated, referencing the upcoming general elections scheduled for January 16 for presidential and parliamentary positions, and February 6 for gubernatorial and state legislative races. Ampitan highlighted that not just Nigerians, but the entire world is eagerly observing INEC’s performance. Fresh from the African Union conference in Egypt, he noted that electoral bodies from across Africa expressed their intention to observe the elections in Nigeria.
Dual Strategy for Performance and Accountability
The INEC chairman outlined a dual approach to enhance both performance and accountability. He stated that the commission will reward outstanding performance while imposing stringent penalties for actions that compromise the integrity of the electoral process. “We must learn from the lessons of past elections. Compromise is not an option,” he asserted, while stressing the importance of hard work and a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
Strengthening Operational Capacity
Ampitan also discussed the commission’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capacity. This includes improvements in logistics, transportation, and infrastructure across its offices nationwide to ensure a more efficient election process. “We don’t want to repeat the mistakes of the past,” he remarked, reiterating that continuous improvement remains his primary goal during his tenure.
Commitment to Staff Welfare
Reflecting on his nine months in office, Ampitan identified the restoration of public confidence in the electoral system as a crucial priority. He argued that credible elections can only be achieved through motivated, disciplined, and incorruptible officials. To support this objective, the chairman indicated that INEC is undertaking a comprehensive review of staff welfare, aimed at improving remuneration and working conditions, thereby boosting morale and productivity.
INEC’s Role in Strengthening Democracy
He emphasized that INEC plays a vital role in fostering democracy and ensuring national stability in Nigeria. “We have a critical role in helping Nigeria ascend to the ranks of developed nations,” he noted, asserting that political stability depends largely on the commission’s independence and performance as an electoral body. During his visit, Ampitan also inspected the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, engaging with officials to assess the level of preparedness for the elections.
Commitment to Transparency and Trust
As preparations advance for the 2027 general elections, Ampitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering a transparent and reliable electoral process, which aligns with both national and international standards. “The entire world is watching us. We must justify the trust placed in us by ensuring free, fair, reliable, and transparent elections,” he declared.
