RismadarVoice Reporters
October 19, 2026
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers ahead of the 2027 general elections, while warning electoral officials against political interference and partisan conduct.
Amupitan made the call on Monday during the commission’s South-East zonal readiness assessment in Enugu State, where he met electoral personnel and reviewed preparations for the forthcoming polls.
The visit forms part of INEC’s nationwide assessment of its operational facilities, logistics, personnel and election security arrangements across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Addressing commission staff, Amupitan stressed that electoral officers must remain neutral in their conduct, statements and professional responsibilities.
He warned that the commission would not tolerate unethical behaviour or political affiliations capable of undermining public confidence in election results.
The chairman disclosed that preparations were progressing, including the procurement of electoral materials, distribution of operational vehicles, facility improvements and arrangements for staff training.
He said additional training would help personnel understand the Electoral Act 2026 and the commission’s updated guidelines for conducting the elections.
Amupitan also announced efforts to improve staff welfare, including a proposed special salary structure scheduled to take effect in January 2027.
As part of his engagements, the INEC chairman met the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, seeking the cooperation of traditional institutions in promoting peaceful elections.
He urged traditional leaders to encourage eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, discourage vote-buying and educate communities about the importance of peaceful electoral participation.
Amupitan further appealed to political stakeholders and youth groups to avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of triggering electoral violence.
The chairman highlighted ongoing collaboration with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to protect voters, electoral personnel and election materials.
He also referred to security investigations involving suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping of corps members engaged in electoral duties.
Responding, Asadu reportedly pledged the cooperation of traditional rulers and encouraged INEC officials to remain committed to conducting credible elections.
The INEC chairman also visited the commission’s Enugu South Local Government Area office to assess operational preparedness.
The engagement comes as INEC intensifies preparations for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.
