By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has urged staff of the Commission to ensure that all electoral technologies introduced in recent elections, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), remain fully operational ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan gave the directive on Thursday during a visit to the Commission’s state office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following a technical workshop held in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area where INEC officials gathered for a retreat to review key aspects of electoral administration.
Addressing staff after inspecting voter registration centres in Ikot Ekpene, the INEC chairman stressed that the credibility of future elections would depend largely on the level of preparation and commitment demonstrated by the Commission’s workforce.
“Nigerians expect the Commission to deliver credible, free and fair elections,” Amupitan said. “That expectation places a responsibility on every member of staff to uphold professionalism, transparency and integrity at all times.”
He noted that preparations for the 2027 general elections had already begun through a series of internal reviews, technical engagements and operational improvements aimed at strengthening the electoral process.
“If you want to predict the future, you create it. What we are doing now, including this retreat, is to begin to create what the 2027 election should look like,” he added.
The chairman also emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the voter register, stating that the ongoing voter revalidation exercise was designed to eliminate duplicate registrations and remove the names of deceased persons.
According to him, INEC will continue to strengthen collaboration with key national data agencies, including the National Population Commission and the National Identity Management Commission, to improve the accuracy of population data and ensure that only eligible citizens are included in the voter register.
Amupitan further assured staff of the Commission’s commitment to improving their welfare and professional development. He disclosed that plans were underway to create a specialised professional cadre for INEC personnel in recognition of the technical demands and risks associated with election management.
He also congratulated staff recently promoted during the Commission’s latest promotion exercise and reiterated the Commission’s resolve to improve working conditions and retirement benefits.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Obo Effanga, said the chairman’s visit provided an opportunity for direct engagement with staff implementing the Commission’s mandate in the state.
Effanga noted that while INEC officials were in Ikot Ekpene for a technical workshop, the visit to the state office in Uyo allowed the chairman to interact with personnel and observe firsthand the efforts of staff working to serve the people of the state.
The INEC chairman was accompanied on the visit by National Commissioners, including May Agbamuche-Mbu, Rhoda Gumus and A. T. Yusuf, alongside technical aides and other senior officials of the Commission.
