The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has warned commission staff against engaging in partisan political activities, stressing the importance of neutrality and professionalism in the administration of elections.
Amupitan also promised a new salary structure for staff, signalling a focus on employee welfare as the electoral body prepares for future electoral exercises.
The warning comes amid growing public attention on the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and the responsibilities of officials involved in organising and conducting elections.
INEC staff play important roles in voter registration, election logistics, the management of polling activities and other administrative functions required for credible elections.
Their conduct is therefore central to maintaining public confidence in the commission and ensuring that electoral procedures are implemented fairly.
Partisan political involvement by electoral officials can raise questions about impartiality and undermine confidence in the neutrality of the institution responsible for managing elections.
Amupitan’s warning reinforces the expectation that personnel should discharge their duties in accordance with applicable laws, professional standards and the commission’s rules.
The promised salary restructuring also places staff welfare on the agenda, although details of the proposed arrangement, including its implementation timeline and financial implications, were not provided in the information available for this report.
As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general election, INEC faces the task of maintaining public trust, strengthening operational readiness and ensuring that its personnel remain committed to the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability.