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By Tracy Moses
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the promotion of 2,339 of its personnel as part of the 2025 Senior Staff Promotion Exercise, underscoring the Commission’s dedication to career development, institutional stability, and organizational growth.
The decision, taken during the Commission’s meeting on Thursday, 26th February 2026, covers multiple levels of the workforce, ranging from intermediate officers to senior management positions. At the Directorate level (GL 16–17), 45 Deputy Directors were promoted to Directors, with 18 continuing in active service and 27 slated for retirement shortly after promotion in accordance with public service rules.
For officers on GL 15–16, 91 Assistant Directors advanced to the rank of Deputy Directors, while 82 Chief Officers on GL 14–15 were elevated to Assistant Directors. Additionally, 2,121 intermediate officers on GL 07–13 across various departments received promotions.
Since its inception in 1998, INEC has maintained a structured career advancement system designed to reward merit, encourage long-term service, and preserve institutional expertise.
Annual promotion exercises, particularly for senior and intermediate cadres, play a pivotal role in this framework, ensuring continuity in leadership, strengthening institutional memory, and supporting succession planning, especially as the Commission prepares for critical electoral events.
Commenting on the exercise, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan stated, “These promotions demonstrate our commitment to recognizing dedication, hard work, and professional excellence.
Our staff are the pillars of the Commission, and supporting their growth ensures that INEC remains strong, efficient, and ready for future electoral responsibilities.”
He added, “By promoting our officers, we are investing not only in individuals but also in the Commission’s long-term capacity. This exercise guarantees the retention of expertise at all levels, which is essential as we gear up for major electoral activities.”
The Commission congratulated the promoted staff and encouraged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and impartiality in their duties.
“We expect our newly promoted officers to serve as role models, uphold excellence, and contribute meaningfully to INEC’s mission of conducting transparent, credible, and fair elections,” Amupitan emphasized.
The 2025 Senior Staff Promotion Exercise, which saw 2,339 officers elevated, stands as one of the largest in recent years, reflecting INEC’s enduring commitment to cultivating a skilled, motivated, and professional workforce capable of navigating Nigeria’s dynamic electoral landscape.