RismadarVoice Reporters
March 5, 2026
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has inspected the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Akwa Ibom State as the Commission continues its technical workshop on the review of regulations and guidelines for political parties.
The inspection formed part of activities marking Day Two of the ongoing INEC Technical Workshop, which is reviewing the Commission’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties in line with provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.
The workshop, taking place in Akwa Ibom State, brought together top offici als of the Commission to deliberate on proposed reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future elections.
Participants at the workshop noted that the proposed amendments are intended to improve clarity and ensure consistency with the updated legal framework governing elections in Nigeria.
According to facilitators, the reforms are also designed to curb excessive financial influence in politics, reduce the cost of elections, and promote a level playing field among political parties.
The review will further empower INEC to issue regulations necessary for effective implementation of the Electoral Act and repeal provisions in existing regulations that conflict with the new law.
On the sidelines of the workshop, Prof. Amupitan led a delegation of National Commissioners and senior officials to inspect the ongoing CVR exercise at the Ward Registration Centre at RA 10 Primary School, Mbiaso, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
Members of the delegation included National Commissioners Barr. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, and A.T. Yusuf, as well as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Obo Effanga.
During the visit, the INEC Chairman interacted with prospective voters and encouraged eligible Nigerians, particularly youths who recently turned 18 years, to take advantage of the registration exercise.
One notable highlight of the visit was the excitement of a young registrant, Aniete Esther Kingsley, who expressed joy after completing her voter registration in the presence of the INEC Chairman and his team.
The delegation later paid a courtesy visit to the INEC State Office in Uyo, where the Chairman held an interactive session with staff of the Commission.
In his welcome remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Obo Effanga, said the visit offered the Chairman an opportunity to engage directly with personnel responsible for delivering the Commission’s mandate in the state.
Effanga explained that although the Commission was in Ikot Ekpene for the technical workshop, it was important for the Chairman to also visit the state headquarters to interact with staff.
Addressing the staff, Prof. Amupitan commended their dedication but urged them to intensify their efforts as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
“If you want to predict the future, you create it. What we are doing now, including this retreat, is to begin to create what the 2027 election should look like,” he said.
The INEC Chairman emphasized that Nigerians expect the Commission to deliver credible, free, and fair elections, urging staff nationwide to demonstrate transparency, professionalism, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining an accurate voter register, revealing that the Commission is intensifying the Voter Revalidation Exercise to eliminate duplicate registrations and remove the names of deceased persons from the voter database.
Prof. Amupitan added that INEC would deepen collaboration with national data agencies such as the National Population Commission (NPC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to improve population data tracking and ensure that eligible voters are properly captured.
On staff welfare, the INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission is working towards establishing a specialized professional cadre for INEC staff, aimed at improving career development and compensation structures in recognition of the responsibilities and risks associated with election management.
He also congratulated staff whose promotions had recently been approved and assured others that the Commission remains committed to improving working conditions and retirement benefits.
Declaring that preparations for the 2027 general elections have officially begun, Prof. Amupitan urged staff to ensure that all electoral technologies, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), are fully functional and ready ahead of the polls.
He encouraged personnel across the country to remain dedicated to the Commission’s mission of strengthening democracy and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
