THE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, has called on the Commission’s nationwide workforce and the Nigerian public to translate the discipline of the Holy Month of Ramadan into a renewed commitment to electoral integrity.
In a special Eid-el-Fitr message issued from the Commission’s headquarters on Friday, March 20, 2026, Prof. Amupitan described the conclusion of the fast as a victory of the spirit over the self and a foundational moment for the Commission as it prepares for the critical 2026 off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 General Election.
Highlighting a rare and beautiful coincidence, the Chairman noted that this year’s Ramadan occurred concurrently with the Christian Lenten period. He emphasised that the simultaneous intercession of both faiths within the Commission reinforces a shared responsibility toward the Nigerian Project.
“Seeing both faiths within the Commission engaged in simultaneous fasting and intercession reinforces my belief in our shared humanity,” the Chairman stated. “The lessons of Ramadan —patience, integrity, and empathy— are the very virtues we require as we approach the critical milestones of 2026.”
Addressing the over 14,000 INEC staff spread across the 774 Local Government Areas, Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed that staff welfare remains a central pillar of his leadership. He pointed to the recent organising of the Iftar at the Commission (the first such institutional gathering in eight years) as a testament to his staff-first policy.
The Chairman issued a firm reminder that professional excellence is a non-negotiable standard. He urged staff to ensure that discipline is reflected in a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, aimed at ending voter apathy and rebuilding public trust.
The 2026 Eid-el-Fitr message arrives at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey under the leadership of Prof. Amupitan. Since assuming office on October 23, 2025, the Chairman has moved aggressively to modernise the Commission’s operations and restore institutional memory.
The Commission is currently operating under the framework of the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, which mandates stricter adherence to technological innovations like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
The upcoming Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections serve as the immediate litmus test for these reforms. The Chairman has consistently framed these polls as the ultimate test before the 2027 General Election.
With a workforce of over 14,000, the Commission is prioritising internal discipline alongside enhanced working conditions, recognizing that a motivated workforce is the best defense against external political pressure.
