INEC To Probe Staff Over FCT Election Shortfalls
INEC Chairman Promises Investigation
THE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has announced that employees responsible for logistical shortfalls during the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections will be thoroughly investigated. Speaking on Wednesday at a post-election review meeting in Abuja, Amupitan stated that staff found culpable would face appropriate sanctions.
“The workers who contributed to the delays and shortcomings in Kuje and Kabusa will be held accountable,” he said, adding that transporters responsible for the late movement of electoral materials to Kwali Area Council would be blacklisted.
Review Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners
The review session, held at INEC headquarters, brought together all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from the 36 states and the FCT. It took place four days after the conduct of the FCT council elections and the by-elections in Rivers and Kano states.
According to Amupitan, the meeting’s purpose was not only to assess the outcomes of the elections but also to obtain feedback from RECs on operational challenges and their preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Collaboration with State Electoral Bodies
The forum of state independent electoral commissions also attended the meeting on a courtesy visit to INEC. Their delegation leader emphasized the importance of collaboration to strengthen local government elections nationwide, highlighting the need for shared best practices and improved logistics management.
Ensuring Accountability
The chairman’s remarks signal a firm stance on accountability within the commission. By targeting both staff and service providers, INEC seeks to reinforce operational discipline and prevent recurrence of logistical failures in future elections. Observers say such measures are crucial to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
