Osun Poll: INEC Chairman Announces Cash, Foreign Travel Incentives for Outstanding Staff

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has announced plans to introduce cash rewards and foreign travel opportunities for outstanding staff as part of measures to boost morale ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

Prof. Amupitan made the announcement on Tuesday during a working visit to the INEC office in Osogbo, where he met with electoral officers and other members of staff shortly after a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

Addressing the staff, the INEC Chairman said the commission was under immense public scrutiny and must deliver a credible, peaceful and conclusive governorship election, describing the poll as a critical test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We are just coming from the palace of the Ooni of Ife, and the expectation on INEC is very high. The tension is equally high. We have to do everything possible within our powers and abilities to bring down this tension,” he said.

He urged staff to contribute their expertise toward ensuring the success of the election, assuring them that exceptional performance would be recognised.

Amupitan disclosed that the commission was developing a reward system that would include cash incentives and sponsored foreign trips for staff who distinguish themselves during electoral assignments.

The INEC Chairman noted that within nine months of assuming office, the commission had successfully conducted major elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory and Ekiti, as well as about 11 by-elections across the country.

According to him, none of the elections had generated significant disputes, adding that the Osun governorship election must sustain that record.

He expressed concern over recent security incidents involving the commission, including the hijacking of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and attacks on INEC personnel.

“We had a security situation last week where our BVAS were hijacked and our staff were assaulted. We are taking measures to secure our facilities, our materials and, more importantly, protect the lives of our staff and the voters,” he said.

Amupitan said the commission was working closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and the National Peace Committee to ensure a peaceful exercise, noting that security assessments in Osun had improved from “very high” to “medium” risk.

He also stressed the need for sustainable funding for the electoral body, lamenting the rising cost of conducting elections.

“The cost of conducting a state election is now even higher than that of some federal elections. We need a sustainable way of financing our operations,” he said.

The INEC Chairman urged staff to remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation, warning that false narratives could undermine public confidence and trigger unnecessary tension during the electoral process.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that the election atmosphere is free, credible and conclusive, while protecting our staff, officials and voters,” he added.

Also speaking, National Commissioner in charge of the South-West, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, described Amupitan as a welfare-oriented leader committed to improving staff welfare.

He expressed confidence in the preparedness of the commission for the Osun governorship election.
“As the records show, we are prepared for the election.

We have dedicated and committed staff, and our goal is to conduct a free, fair, inclusive and conclusive election that will be acceptable to all,” Ajayi said.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Barrister Oluwatoyin Babalola, assured the INEC Chairman that the state office was fully prepared for the election.

She said the conduct of the Osun poll would shape public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and pledged that staff would discharge their duties with integrity, professionalism and transparency.

Babalola urged all electoral personnel to remain committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent election.

The INEC Chairman is expected to continue consultations with security agencies, political stakeholders and other critical actors in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.