Ekiti, Osun Polls Critical Test for INEC Reforms Ahead of 2027 — Amupitan

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan , has described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun and as a major test of the commission’s ongoing electoral reforms ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

Amupitan stated this in an Eid-el-Fitr message issued through his chief press secretary, Adedayo Oketola, where he urged staff of the commission to uphold the values of discipline, integrity and commitment gained during Ramadan in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, the successful completion of the Ramadan fast represents not only spiritual victory but also a crucial moment for the commission as it prepares for the off-cycle governorship elections scheduled for June 20 in Ekiti and August 8 in Osun.

He said: “The lessons of Ramadan — patience, integrity and empathy — are the virtues needed as we approach critical electoral milestones in 2026.

“Professional excellence remains non-negotiable, and discipline must reflect in zero tolerance for misconduct in order to tackle voter apathy and rebuild public confidence in the electoral process.”

The INEC chairman noted that since assuming office on October 23, 2025, the commission has intensified efforts to modernise its operations and strengthen institutional capacity.

He explained that the commission is now operating under the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, which provides for stricter compliance with technological tools such as the ’s Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and Result Viewing Portal.

Amupitan added that the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections would provide the first practical assessment of these reforms before the 2027 general election.

“With over 14,000 staff nationwide, the commission is also focusing on internal discipline and improved staff welfare, as a motivated workforce remains the strongest shield against external political pressure,” he said.