National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has charged the commission’s staff on professionalism, urging them to refrain from showing interest in any political party to ensure a transparent elections in 2027.

Amupitan stated that staff of the commission must show neutrality and professionalism in the discharge of their electoral duties.

He gave the charge in an interactive session with INEC staff from the South-East shortly after arriving Enugu on Monday.

He urged the staff to steer clear of partisan politics, adding: “You should not pick interest in any political party: be neutral and firm”.

“I am hearing that some of you are showing interest in some political parties. This is absolutely wrong.

“The commission wants you to be neutral and professional both in your words and actions.

“The commission will not take unprofessional or unethical electoral conduct from any staff.

“We have instituted a reward and sanction mechanism even from local government area, states and to even national level,” he said.

The chairman said that the commission was working relentlessly to improve the welfare of its staff across as all cadre and levels.

He claimed that the commission had worked hard to remove its staff from the normal civil service salary structure to a special salary structure.

“This new special salary structure will take effect from Jan. 1, 2027 and it is for benefit of staff across as all cadre and levels.

“We want the new salary structure so that you will not easily be induced before, during and after election.

“We are working with other relevant governmental agencies and commissions to make the cash backing for the new salary structure possible,” he said.

He urged all staff to ensure that they return the trust of the people to the commission’s programmes and activities.

“As an unbiased umpire, we needed to up the confidence and trust the people repose on us by being discipline and diligent to our duties at all times,” he said.

Amupitan also said that the commission was making provisions for logistics and already given INEC Enugu office 10 new pick-up vans.

“More logistics is coming as we ensure adequate preparation for the General Election.

“We have got our non sensitive materials ready; while we are awarding contracts for other materials needed in the election as well as sensitive materials as well.

“Massive training and retraining will commence soon and the retraining is imperative given new guidelines and regulations introduced into the Amended Electoral Act,” he added.