The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to its Administrative Secretaries across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, urging them to avoid operational lapses as preparations intensify for the 2027 general election. INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan delivered the directive on Monday, September 7, 2026, during the opening of a two-day Strategic Operational Workshop in Lagos. He emphasized that the commission is now in a critical six-month phase of readiness, requiring strict adherence to uniform administrative standards nationwide.
Amupitan stressed the need for consistency in how administrative duties are interpreted and executed across all states, warning against fragmented practices that could undermine electoral integrity. “We can no longer afford fragmented interpretations of administrative duties or disjointed operational practices from state to state,” he stated. He called on Administrative Secretaries to strengthen coordination and strictly follow standardized procedures to prevent any administrative failures from disrupting the election process.
Describing the workshop as an “operational boot camp,” Amupitan said it was designed to assess INEC’s preparedness and pinpoint areas needing improvement before the 2027 polls. The event also serves as a platform to apply lessons learned from recent off-cycle elections, particularly the Osun governorship election, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing a nationwide electoral exercise. He noted that coordinating a general election across Nigeria demands a higher level of integration and planning than managing a single-state poll.
Earlier in the proceedings, Professor Ayobami Salami, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, encouraged participants to use the workshop to identify weaknesses in their current systems and develop practical solutions. She highlighted the importance of seamless collaboration between administrative and technical teams, especially in handling personnel, logistics, finance, and infrastructure. Salami underscored that strong interdepartmental coordination is essential to ensuring smooth operations during the election cycle.
The workshop brings together key INEC officials from across the country to review operational strategies, share best practices, and align on national goals for the upcoming election. With less than a year until the 2027 general election, the commission is intensifying efforts to build a resilient and transparent electoral framework. This proactive approach reflects INEC’s commitment to delivering credible and inclusive elections, setting the stage for improved public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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