In anticipation of the upcoming off-cycle elections in Osun State and Ekiti State, scheduled for June and August 2026, respectively, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged commission staff to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism as preparations for the elections progress.

The Chairman of the electoral body emphasised the need for good conduct during the elections in his 2026 Eid-el-Fitr message to staff across the country, stating that the lessons of Ramadan must guide the commission’s conduct ahead of the off-cycle polls, which he described as critical milestones in Nigeria’s electoral calendar.

Stressing his appeal to the national commissioners, resident electoral commissioners, directors and over 14,000 staff across the country, Amupitan also referred to the fact that Ramadan occurred in concurrence with the Lenten period observed by Christians, stating that it connotes patience, discipline and empathy, core values of the fasting period which must now translate into excellence in electoral duties.

Professor Amupitan reiterated that the credibility of the Ekiti and Osun elections will serve as a yardstick to measure the commission’s readiness for the 2027 general elections, thereby urging the staff to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, stressing the need to rebuild public confidence and tackle voter apathy.

The INEC chairman further added that the commission must be dutiful and competent to demonstrate to Nigerians that their votes will count, noting that public trust is central to the success of any electoral process.

The statement partly reads, “It is also a rare and beautiful coincidence that this season of Ramadan occurred concurrently with the Lenten period observed by our Christian brothers and sisters. Seeing both faiths within the Commission engaged in simultaneous fasting and intercession reinforces my belief in our shared humanity and our collective responsibility toward the Nigerian project.

“As we celebrate, let us remember that the lessons of Ramadan, which are patience, integrity, and empathy, are the very virtues we require as we approach the critical milestones of 2026. With the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections on the horizon and the foundational preparations for the 2027 general election in full swing, our conduct must remain beyond reproach.

“The prayers you have offered during this holy month should now serve as the fuel for our professional excellence. The same discipline and integrity that guided your fast should now become the standard we bring to our pre-election preparedness. Let this spiritual consecration be reflected in our zero-tolerance for misconduct as we work to close the gap of voter apathy and prove to every Nigerian that their votes count.

“I reaffirm my commitment to our diligent staff, from our headquarters to the farthest local government offices. Your welfare is not a footnote, but a priority. Let’s all join hands to ensure a workplace where every hardworking official is valued, protected, and empowered to excel.

May the blessings of this Eid bring peace to your homes and renewed strength to your hands. Let us work together to build an INEC that stands as a beacon of integrity and a source of pride for every Nigerian.”

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