Ekiti, Osun Polls Will Test INEC Reforms Ahead of 2027

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has stated that the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states will serve as an “immediate litmus test” for the commission’s ongoing reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan made the remark in an Eid-el-Fitr message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, noting that the polls scheduled for June 20 in Ekiti and August 8, 2026, in Osun will be crucial in assessing INEC’s preparedness.

He urged the staff of the commission to channel the discipline and lessons of Ramadan, patience, integrity, and empathy into strengthening electoral credibility and professionalism.

According to him, the end of the fast should reflect renewed commitment to electoral integrity and a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, aimed at reducing voter apathy and rebuilding public trust.

INEC Registers Two New Political Parties — Ekiti, Osun Polls Will Test INEC Reforms Ahead of 2027 – Amupitan. Credit: The Cable

Amupitan also stated that since assuming office on October 23, 2025, he has moved to modernise INEC’s operations and strengthen institutional processes under the framework of the Electoral Act 2026.

He stressed that technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) remain central to ensuring credible elections.

He added that with a workforce of over 14,000, the commission is prioritising internal discipline and improved welfare, noting that a motivated staff remains key to resisting external political pressures.

“The commission is currently operating under the framework of the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, which mandates stricter adherence to technological innovations like the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) and the INEC result viewing portal (IReV),” he said.

“The upcoming Ekiti and Osun governorship elections serve as the immediate litmus test for these reforms…and the ultimate test before the 2027 general election.

“With a workforce of over 14,000, the Commission is prioritising internal discipline alongside enhanced working conditions, recognising that a motivated workforce is the best defence against external political pressure.”