Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned staff of the commission against manipulating election results or engaging in acts capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process in the country.
Prof. Amupitan gave the warning while addressing INEC staff in Ekiti State as part of preparations for the forthcoming governorship election.
He stressed that there would be consequences for any official involved in activities that compromise the integrity of elections.
The INEC chairman reminded staff of the legal provisions guiding the conduct of elections, particularly the responsibilities of Electoral Officers, while assuring that officials who perform creditably during the governorship poll would be rewarded.
According to him, the international community expects “105 percent performance” from the commission, adding that the Ekiti governorship election would serve as a litmus test for the 2027 general elections.
He urged staff to maintain high standards of integrity before, during and after the election, emphasizing the need to protect the credibility of the electoral process at all times.
Prof. Amupitan also disclosed that the commission was closely monitoring the performance of its personnel, noting that outstanding officers could receive rewards, including double promotion, as a form of encouragement.
He assured workers that their welfare remained a priority for the commission and revealed that efforts were ongoing to secure an improved salary structure for INEC staff nationwide.
However, he noted that the commission’s current financial resources were inadequate to provide the level of welfare package workers deserved, explaining that INEC still operates under the envelope budgeting system despite being placed on first line charge.
