INEC warns staff against partisanship as PVC collection begins October 9

By Princess-Ekwi Ajide| Ichie Times

The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned its staff against partisan conduct, negligence and ethical breaches ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the warning on Monday in Kaduna during the Commission’s North West zonal readiness meeting.

Amupitan said the credibility of the elections would depend not only on laws and technology but also on the commitment of electoral officials to faithfully implement established procedures.

He urged staff to remain neutral, properly document their activities and adhere to laid down procedures, warning that late opening of polling units, perceived bias and poor handling of technical challenges could undermine public confidence and fuel disinformation.

The Commission also announced that collection of newly printed Permanent Voter Cards will commence on October 9, 2026.

The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

The Kaduna meeting is the second stop in INEC’s six zone readiness assessment ahead of the 2027 general elections.