INEC Chairman Warns Staff Against Political Pressure Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned staff against political pressure, financial inducements and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan gave the warning during a readiness assessment visit to Enugu State, where he engaged with staff and assessed the commission’s level of preparedness for the polls.

The visit was attended by national commissioners, resident electoral commissioners from across the South-East and other senior officials of the commission.

The INEC chairman emphasised the need for neutrality, professionalism and strict adherence to the Electoral Act and the commission’s code of conduct, warning against actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He said that although the commission had recorded progress in recent off-cycle elections, the scale of the forthcoming general elections required more rigorous planning, stronger coordination and compliance with established procedures.

Amupitan disclosed that INEC had completed nine of the 14 major statutory milestones outlined in its revised timetable and schedule of activities, urging officials to sustain the pace of implementation as election day approaches.

He also stressed the need for staff to ensure that their decisions were guided by the law rather than personal interests or political considerations.

The chairman said the commission would continue to collaborate with security agencies to protect election personnel, technological assets, electoral materials and voters.

He added that INEC would work to ensure polling units remained accessible despite local security challenges.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka J. Chukwu, said the assessment provided an opportunity to examine operational realities, identify gaps, share experiences and develop practical solutions ahead of the general elections.