The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned the commission’s personnel against supporting any political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also disclosed that sensitive materials for the elections had started arriving.

Naija News reports that Amupitan made the disclosure on Monday during an interactive meeting with INEC staff and a readiness assessment visit to Enugu State.

During the meeting, the INEC chairman outlined the commission’s preparations for the elections, including the procurement of election materials and vehicles, facility upgrades, staff training and measures to strengthen election logistics.

According to a statement released by INEC, the visit marked the South-East leg of the commission’s nationwide physical assessment tour, following similar exercises in the South-West, North-Central and North-West geopolitical zones.

Addressing the staff, Amupitan said the 2027 general elections represented more than another date on the electoral calendar, describing them as a critical test of the commission’s preparedness.

He disclosed that training programmes would soon commence to equip personnel with the knowledge and skills required to perform their duties, particularly in light of changes introduced by the new Electoral Act and the commission’s guidelines and regulations for the 2027 elections.

Amupitan added that INEC was developing training materials that staff could access beyond face-to-face sessions. He also said selected personnel would serve as trainers for other election workers.

The INEC chairman charged personnel to maintain strict neutrality before, during and after the elections, warning that no staff member should be seen supporting any political party.

He emphasised that professionalism, accountability and effective result management were essential to rebuilding public confidence in the electoral process.

Amupitan further warned that the commission would not tolerate any misconduct capable of undermining the credibility and integrity of the elections.

“We expect absolute neutrality,” he said.