Eid-el-Fitr: INEC Chairman Urges Discipline to Strengthen Electoral Integrity

Eid-el-Fitr: INEC Chairman Urges Discipline to Strengthen Electoral Integrity

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called on staff of the commission and Nigerians to channel the discipline of Ramadan into strengthening electoral integrity ahead of key elections in Ekiti State and Osun State.

In an Eid-el-Fitr message issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, the INEC boss described the end of Ramadan as a victory of the spirit, urging that its lessons be applied to reinforce transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

He said the period marks a crucial phase for the commission as it prepares for the 2026 off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan also drew attention to what he described as a rare convergence of faith, noting that this year’s Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lenten season. According to him, the development reflects unity and a shared commitment to national progress.

“Seeing both faiths within the Commission engaged in simultaneous fasting and intercession reinforces my belief in our shared humanity,” he said, adding that patience, integrity and empathy remain critical virtues for the tasks ahead.

Addressing over 14,000 staff of the commission across the 774 local government areas, the chairman reaffirmed his commitment to staff welfare, describing it as central to his leadership approach.

He cited the recent hosting of an Iftar at the commission; the first in eight years as a step towards boosting morale and strengthening internal cohesion.

He, however, stressed that welfare must be matched with strict adherence to professional standards, urging staff to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct in order to rebuild public trust and reduce voter apathy.

The message comes as INEC continues to implement reforms under the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates the deployment of technological tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal.

Amupitan described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun as a litmus test for these reforms, expressing confidence that a disciplined and motivated workforce would ensure credible outcomes.

He added that strengthening electoral integrity remains key to consolidating Nigeria’s democracy and safeguarding the will of the people.