The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has warned INEC Administrative Secretaries across the country against taking shortcuts or yielding to political interference ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan gave the warning today in Lagos at a strategic operational workshop for Administrative Secretaries from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the credibility of INEC's state offices would depend largely on the professionalism, discipline, neutrality and operational standards established by the Administrative Secretaries.

The INEC chairman urged them to ensure proper documentation, punctuality, compliance with regulations and early reporting of emerging challenges, stressing that they play a critical role in translating the Commission's policies into effective operations at the state level.

Amupitan said lessons from recent off-cycle elections, particularly the Osun governorship poll, showed that effective logistics, reliable technology and administrative discipline are essential to credible elections.

He said INEC is entering a critical six-month preparation period and must ensure uniform operational standards across all states ahead of the 2027 general elections.