The Hon. Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, alongside National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from across the South-East Zone, and other senior officials of the Commission, continued the readiness assessment visit to Enugu State ahead of the 2027 General Election, engaging with staff and assessing the Commission’s level of preparedness for the polls.
Speaking during the engagement, Prof. Amupitan emphasised the need for strict neutrality, professionalism and adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Commission’s code of conduct. He cautioned staff against actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The INEC chairman said that while the commission had recorded progress in recent off-cycle elections, the scale of the forthcoming general election required more rigorous planning, stronger coordination and strict adherence to established procedures.
According to him, INEC had completed nine of the 14 major statutory milestones outlined in its revised timetable and schedule of activities, adding that the commission must sustain the pace of implementation as election day approaches.
He urged staff to resist political pressure, financial inducements and intimidation, while ensuring that every decision was guided by the law rather than personal interests or political considerations.
The chairman said the commission would continue working with security agencies to protect election personnel, technological assets, materials and voters, while ensuring that polling units remained accessible despite local security challenges.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka J. Chukwu, said the assessment provided an opportunity to examine operational realities, identify gaps, share experiences and develop practical solutions ahead of the general election.
He urged participants to use the exercise for honest assessment and constructive problem-solving, assuring the commission’s leadership of Enugu State’s commitment to working with national headquarters, other states, security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
Also speaking, INEC Director of Planning and Monitoring, Helen Ajayi, said the exercise was intended to assess the preparedness of states and identify operational challenges before the elections. She added that the sessions would reinforce staff compliance with the commission’s Code of Conduct.
Directors and representatives from the Voter Education and Publicity, Voter Registry, ICT, Human Resources, and Election and Operations departments also made presentations on their respective areas of responsibility and preparations for the 2027 polls.
