INEC Chair Warns Officials Against Shortcuts, Political Interference Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned the commission’s Administrative Secretaries across Nigeria against cutting corners or allowing political interference to undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan gave the warning on Monday in Lagos while opening a two-day strategic operational workshop for INEC Administrative Secretaries from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The INEC chairman described the Administrative Secretaries as a critical part of the commission’s state-level operations, stressing that their conduct and administrative decisions would play an important role in determining the success of the electoral process.

He urged them to maintain strict professionalism and ensure that the commission’s procedures were followed without compromise.

According to Amupitan, tolerating shortcuts could create a culture of indiscipline, while political interference could weaken the neutrality expected of election officials.

He also challenged the officials to identify weaknesses within their respective states and address potential problems before they become major obstacles during the elections. (Channels Television)

The workshop is focused on testing INEC’s preparedness in key areas ahead of the 2027 polls, including voter registration and Permanent Voter Card collection, logistics and the management of sensitive election materials, electoral technology, recruitment and training of ad-hoc personnel, as well as financial and procurement procedures.

The commission is also strengthening its use of technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) and its candidate registration and results management systems.

Amupitan said the improvements recorded during recent off-cycle elections, particularly in Osun State, should not be treated as isolated successes but developed into a standard that can be sustained nationwide during the 2027 elections. (Channels Television)

The INEC chairman has repeatedly stressed the need for professionalism and institutional discipline as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify. In July, he warned INEC officials that the global community would be watching Nigeria’s next general elections closely and urged staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity. (Guardian Nigeria)

The 2027 general elections are scheduled to begin on January 16, 2027, with the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6.

With preparations already underway, INEC says strengthening its internal operations remains essential to delivering elections that Nigerians and other stakeholders can trust.