The head of Nigeria’s electoral body has urged staff to prepare for a “challenging” year of regional elections as the country enters a critical phase of its democratic cycle.
In a New Year message titled “A Season of Renewal,” Professor Joash O. Amupitan SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), praised the conduct of the recent Anambra State governorship election and called for a deepening of faith in the “Nigerian project.”
The address sets the stage for a busy 2026, which will see several key regional contests viewed as litmus tests for the country’s national stability.
A busy electoral calendar
Nigeria is preparing for several significant polls in the coming months:
- FCT Area Council Elections: Scheduled to take place in February.
- Off-cycle Governorships: Major contests are looming in Ekiti and Osun states.
- General Election Preparations: Work is already beginning to ensure “seamless and credible” processes for the next nationwide vote.
Professor Amupitan, who assumed office on 23 October, emphasized that his primary goal remains delivering polls that are “free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive.”
Staff welfare and ‘internal bonds’
Beyond the ballot box, the Chairman made a direct appeal to INEC’s vast network of commissioners and staff across the nation, promising that their welfare remains a “top priority.”
He pledged to foster a workplace built on equity and discipline while encouraging staff to “brace themselves” for the logistical and security challenges that often accompany Nigerian elections.
Restoring public trust
Nigeria’s electoral system has frequently come under international scrutiny over transparency concerns. Professor Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the “sanctity of the ballot,” stating that unity and discipline are the only ways to protect the nation’s democracy.
“Let us work together to build an INEC trusted by all and sundry,” he said, “and a Nigeria where every eligible voter is empowered and every vote truly counts.”
Add Comment