The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has called on commission staff and Nigerians to uphold discipline, integrity, and accountability as the country prepares for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
In his 2026 Eid-el-Fitr message, issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan said the end of Ramadan represented “a victory of the spirit over the self” and should inspire renewed commitment to credible electoral processes.
He described the Ekiti and Osun elections as crucial tests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The INEC chairman urged the commission’s more than 14,000 staff across the country to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, noting that professionalism remains non-negotiable.
“The lessons of Ramadan—patience, integrity, and empathy—are the very virtues we require as we approach the critical milestones of 2026. Discipline must translate into a renewed commitment to electoral integrity,” he said.
Amupitan added that such commitment was essential to tackling voter apathy and rebuilding public confidence in the electoral system.
He also highlighted the coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season, describing it as a symbolic moment of unity and shared responsibility.
