INEC Warns Staff Against Partisanship As 2027 PVC Collection Begins October 9
The credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 elections will depend not only on laws and technology, but also on the conduct of the officials who will administer them, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the warning on Monday in Kaduna, directing staff to remain strictly neutral and avoid administrative negligence, partisan behaviour and ethical breaches ahead of the general election.
Speaking at the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 elections, Amupitan said the Commission would enforce its code of conduct, stressing that protecting INEC’s institutional integrity was non-negotiable.
He warned that late opening of polling units, perceived bias, nonchalance and poor handling of technical problems could undermine public confidence and fuel disinformation.
Amupitan reminded electoral officials of the oath of neutrality required under Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026, urging them to follow established procedures rather than resort to informal shortcuts.
“Know the law, understand your responsibility, remain neutral, document your actions,” he told the officials, adding that every administrative decision must be capable of withstanding public scrutiny and judicial review.
The INEC Chairman also disclosed that collection of newly printed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would commence on October 9, 2026, with traditional rulers urged to encourage eligible citizens to collect their cards.
The Commission is also preparing for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027.
Amupitan said INEC was strengthening staff welfare and operational capacity, including the rollout of a new salary structure and the distribution of operational pick-up vehicles to state offices and local government areas.
The Kaduna engagement is the second stop in INEC’s six-zone readiness assessment tour, aimed at identifying operational gaps and ensuring staff across the country are prepared for the 2027 polls.
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