INEC Chair Urges Ramadan Discipline for Flawless Ekiti, Osun Polls

By Angel Nwaozuzu

Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan has urged the Commission’s nationwide staff and Nigerians to channel Ramadan’s discipline into unwavering electoral integrity.

In a special Eid-el-Fitr message issued from headquarters on Friday, Prof. Amupitan called the end of fasting a victory of spirit over self, a perfect foundation as INEC gears up for the 2026 off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, plus the 2027 General Election.

He highlighted the rare overlap of Ramadan and Christian Lent this year, noting how simultaneous fasting across faiths in the Commission strengthens commitment to Nigeria’s democracy.

“Seeing both faiths engaged in simultaneous fasting and intercession reinforces our shared humanity. Ramadan’s lessons, patience, integrity, empathy are essential for our 2026 milestones,” Prof. Amupitan said.

Addressing over 14,000 staff across 774 Local Government Areas, he reaffirmed his staff-first policy, citing the recent Iftar gathering, the first in eight years as proof of prioritized welfare.

In a statement, Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to INEC Chairman said Prof. Amupitan stressed zero tolerance for misconduct, demanding professional excellence to combat voter apathy and rebuild trust.

Since taking office on October 23, 2025, the Chairman has driven modernisation under the new Electoral Act 2026, emphasising BVAS and IReV technologies. The Ekiti and Osun polls will test these reforms ahead of 2027.

A motivated workforce, he added, is INEC’s strongest shield against political pressures.