The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has warned staff against partisan politics. He urged them to uphold neutrality and professionalism while carrying out their electoral responsibilities.
Amupitan gave the warning during an interactive session with INEC staff from the South-East shortly after arriving in Enugu on Monday. He visited the region to meet traditional rulers and electoral stakeholders ahead of engagements scheduled for Tuesday.
The chairman stressed that electoral officers must remain impartial in their conduct and public statements. He also warned that the commission would not tolerate unethical behaviour from its personnel. His remarks come as preparations continue for future elections, alongside broader discussions about electoral preparations and security in Enugu State.
Amupitan Warns INEC Staff Against Political Interests
Amupitan urged staff to avoid showing support for political parties. He said their positions within the commission required them to remain neutral and firm.
“You should not pick interest in any political party: be neutral and firm,” he told the staff.
The chairman said he had received reports that some personnel were showing interest in political parties. He described such conduct as unacceptable for workers responsible for managing elections.
“I am hearing that some of you are showing interest in some political parties. This is absolutely wrong,” he said.
He added that INEC expected professionalism in both words and actions. According to him, the commission would not accept unethical conduct from any staff member.
The warning reinforces the importance of impartiality in electoral administration. It also comes amid wider efforts to promote peaceful political participation, including the peace accord signed by political parties ahead of Enugu’s local government elections.
Commission Introduces Reward and Sanction Mechanism
The INEC chairman disclosed that the commission had introduced a reward and sanction mechanism for its personnel. He said the system would operate at local government, state and national levels.
The mechanism, he explained, would address staff conduct and reinforce professional standards. However, he did not provide details about the specific rewards or sanctions during the session.
Amupitan also urged personnel to help restore public confidence in the commission’s activities. He said staff must demonstrate discipline and diligence to strengthen public trust.
“As an unbiased umpire, we needed to up the confidence and trust the people repose on us by being discipline and diligent to our duties at all times,” he said.
INEC’s responsibility as an electoral umpire makes public confidence important to the credibility of elections. Similar concerns have featured in discussions about the ban on campaign posters in Enugu State, which addresses the regulation of political activities.
INEC Chairman Announces New Salary Structure
Amupitan also spoke about efforts to improve staff welfare across the commission. He said INEC had worked to move its personnel away from the regular civil service salary structure.
According to him, the proposed special salary structure will take effect on January 1, 2027. He said it would benefit staff across different cadres and levels.
The chairman linked the proposed arrangement to efforts to protect electoral personnel from inducement. He explained that improved remuneration could help staff resist pressure before, during and after elections.
“We want the new salary structure so that you will not easily be induced before, during and after election,” he said.
However, Amupitan noted that the commission was still working with relevant government agencies and commissions to secure the necessary funding. He did not announce the proposed salary amounts or provide further details about the structure.
The planned change comes amid broader conversations about employment conditions and public service delivery. Readers can also see how the Federal Character Commission addressed access to federal jobs.
INEC Strengthens Logistics Ahead of General Election
The chairman said INEC had begun preparations to improve its operational readiness for the next general election. He disclosed that the commission had already provided the Enugu office with 10 new pickup vans.
He added that more logistics support would follow as preparations continued. According to Amupitan, the commission had also completed arrangements for non-sensitive election materials.
INEC had started awarding contracts for other required materials, including sensitive materials. The chairman said the commission was working to ensure adequate preparation for the election.
The additional vehicles are expected to support the commission’s field operations. Logistics remain an important part of election planning, particularly when officials must transport personnel and materials across different locations.
Enugu has also taken steps to prepare for local elections, including efforts to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free electoral process. The state’s recent political activities have also included the presentation of APC candidates ahead of the local government polls.
Commission Plans Training Under Amended Electoral Act
Amupitan further announced plans for extensive training and retraining of INEC personnel. He said the exercise would begin soon to prepare staff for new guidelines and regulations introduced under the amended Electoral Act.
The training is expected to help personnel understand the updated requirements and apply them during electoral duties. However, the chairman did not provide a specific commencement date or detailed training schedule.
The commission’s preparations include logistics, election materials and staff capacity building. These activities form part of its wider efforts to improve readiness for the general election.
INEC staff will need to understand the applicable rules and procedures before carrying out their assignments. The chairman’s emphasis on training also accompanied his call for discipline, neutrality and professionalism.
Meanwhile, electoral activities across Enugu have drawn attention from political parties and community stakeholders. Related developments include the APC’s victory in Enugu’s local government elections and stakeholders’ support for the party’s campaign in Nkanu East.
Over 600 INEC Staff Attend Enugu Session
More than 600 staff members from INEC offices across the South-East attended the interactive session. The gathering gave the chairman an opportunity to address personnel on their conduct, welfare and responsibilities.
Amupitan urged them to protect the commission’s reputation through impartial service. He also linked improved welfare, adequate logistics and training to the commission’s preparations for future elections.
His visit to Enugu forms part of his engagement with traditional rulers and electoral stakeholders in the region. The discussions are expected to cover issues relevant to the commission’s electoral responsibilities.
The chairman’s message remained clear: INEC personnel must avoid partisan interests and perform their duties professionally. He also warned that the commission would use its reward and sanction mechanism to promote ethical conduct.
For more coverage of governance and political developments, readers can follow reports on Enugu’s development agenda, Governor Peter Mbah’s reported achievements and security and economic development in Enugu.
Other related reports include community development initiatives across Enugu and the South-East agricultural development programme.
