The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, says officials responsible for operational lapses recorded during the recent Federal Capital Territory council elections will be investigated and sanctioned if found culpable.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the INEC chairman makes the disclosure while addressing Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, exactly four days after the conduct of the FCT council polls and bye-elections in Rivers and Kano states.
Prof. Amupitan specifically references reported shortfalls in Kuje and Kabusa, noting that the Commission will thoroughly review field reports to determine accountability. He emphasizes that electoral integrity remains non-negotiable and that any staff found to have compromised standards will face disciplinary measures in line with civil service regulations.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the INEC boss also raises concerns over logistical delays in Kwali Area Council, attributing setbacks in the movement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to transport providers engaged for the exercise.
He announces that transporters responsible for the delay will be blacklisted from future engagements with the Commission, stressing that inefficiency in logistics management undermines voter confidence and operational credibility.
In further remarks obtained by Mediaplusng.com, Prof. Amupitan addresses preparations for the 2027 general elections, informing the Resident Electoral Commissioners that adjustments will be made to the previously released timetable.
He explains that the earlier election schedule was published before the enactment of the new Electoral Act, making it necessary for the Commission to realign key dates and activities with updated legal provisions. According to him, the revised framework will ensure full compliance with the current electoral law.
The INEC chairman states that the meeting with RECs serves multiple purposes, including a comprehensive review of the FCT council elections and bye-elections, as well as gathering direct feedback from field officers regarding operational challenges and readiness for 2027.
All Resident Electoral Commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory attend the strategy session, which he describes as critical to strengthening institutional coordination ahead of the next general elections.
Prof. Amupitan reiterates the Commission’s commitment to transparency, improved logistics planning, enhanced voter education, and stricter monitoring of ad hoc personnel to prevent a recurrence of identified gaps.
Also present at the meeting is the Forum of States Independent Electoral Commissions, paying a courtesy visit to INEC leadership. The leader of the delegation states that the visit aims to deepen collaboration between federal and state electoral bodies in strengthening the conduct of local government elections nationwide.
Observers note that the Commission’s early engagement on the 2027 timetable signals proactive planning, particularly in light of evolving electoral reforms and technological innovations expected to shape future polls.
As preparations intensify, INEC assures Nigerians that lessons learned from recent elections will inform improved strategies, with a focus on accountability, efficient logistics deployment, and strict adherence to electoral guidelines.
The Commission reiterates that safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process remains its foremost priority as it works toward delivering transparent and legally compliant elections in 2027.
