The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has declared that preparations for the 2027 General Elections have formally commenced, following a strategic retreat and an inspection of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Lagos State.
Professor Amupitan made this known on Monday, January 12, 2026, during an inspection tour of INEC facilities across the state, underscoring the Commission’s renewed emphasis on early planning, technological innovation, and improved staff welfare.
The INEC chairman, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Mr Akin Fagbemi, Chief Technical Adviser, Professor Dimis Mailafiya, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr Adedayo Oketota, began the tour at the Ikeja Local Government Area office.
He was received by the Electoral Officer, Hajia Haolat Mustapha, who briefed him on technological enhancements deployed for the second phase of the CVR, noting increased voter turnout and a more streamlined registration process.
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At the Surulere LGA office, the Electoral Officer, Mr Yakubu Olugbenga, took the chairman round registration points, where Professor Amupitan interacted with field officers to assess the progress of the exercise firsthand.
The inspection also took him to the INEC Zonal Store in Lagos, where the Head of the Zonal Store, Mr Raphael Okezie, highlighted operational challenges requiring urgent attention ahead of upcoming elections.
The tour culminated at the INEC Lagos State Headquarters in Sabo-Yaba, where Professor Amupitan addressed staff, unveiling a reform-driven vision for the Commission built on three key pillars.
He announced plans to reposition INEC as a specialised institution, moving away from the conventional civil service structure to strengthen institutional efficiency and professionalism.
On staff welfare, the chairman acknowledged financial constraints faced by state offices and field personnel, revealing that he had already intervened to improve allowances for officers involved in the ongoing CVR exercise. He further promised a comprehensive review of state office funding and reaffirmed his commitment to implementing an enhanced condition of service, including exploring home ownership schemes for staff.
Addressing public confidence, Professor Amupitan urged staff to see their duties as central to Nigeria’s democratic stability, admitting that the Commission must work deliberately to improve its public image.
“If we want to fix this country, let’s first start with a very good, free, and credible election,” he said, stressing that lessons from previous polls, including the 2023 general elections, must inform preparations for 2027.
“The preparation for the 2027 elections has started. We cannot afford to wait until the last minute,” he added.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Salami Ayobami, and the entire Lagos INEC workforce, the State Administrative Secretary, Mrs Oluyemi Adeyemi-Showunmi, commended the chairman’s hands-on leadership and pledged that Lagos INEC would surpass its previous performance.
