The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has urged staff and officials of the commission across the country to work collectively towards building an electoral body that is trusted by all Nigerians and a nation where every eligible voter is empowered and every vote counts.
Amupitan made the call in a New Year message to national commissioners, the secretary to the commission, resident electoral commissioners, directors and administrative secretaries, which he posted on his X handle on Thursday.
He commended the resilience, patriotism and dedication of INEC staff in the conduct of elections in 2025, while drawing attention to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“As we bid farewell to 2025 and cross the threshold into 2026, I greet you not as your chairman but as a fellow traveler on this noble journey of nation-building”.
“The New Year is more than a change of calendar; it is a season of hope, a moment for renewal, and a time to deepen our faith in the Nigerian project,” he said.
Reflecting on his first months in office, Amupitan expressed gratitude to staff for their support since his assumption of duty on October 23, noting that the successful conduct of the Anambra State governorship election underscored the commission’s commitment to credible polls.
“From my assumption of office on October 23 to our successful conduct of the Anambra State Governorship Election, you have demonstrated that the sanctity of the ballot is, and will always be, our highest priority,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, the INEC chair said the commission must intensify preparations for key elections, including the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February, as well as the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
He added that preparations for the general elections were also critical, stressing that INEC’s goal remained the delivery of “a free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive poll”.
Amupitan further reaffirmed his commitment to staff welfare, promising to promote equity and a supportive work environment.
“In this New Year, let us renew our internal bond. I reaffirm my inaugural commitment to you, which is that your welfare remains a top priority.
“We will continue to foster a workplace built on equity and an environment where discipline is maintained, but where every staff member feels valued, protected, and equipped to excel,” he said.
He urged INEC officials to brace for the challenges ahead and to continue upholding the integrity and transparency of the electoral system.
“Together, let’s uphold the integrity and transparency of our electoral system as we continue to serve the people of Nigeria with excellence. Let us work together to build an INEC trusted by all and a Nigeria where every eligible voter is empowered and every vote truly counts,” Amupitan said.
