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ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the promotion of 2,339 of its staff members as part of the 2025 Senior Staff Promotion Exercise, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to career progression, institutional continuity, and organizational stability.
The decision, taken during the Commission’s meeting on Thursday, 26th February 2026, spans multiple cadres, from intermediate officers to senior leadership positions. At the Directorate level (GL 16–17), 45 Deputy Directors were elevated to the rank of Directors, of whom 18 will continue in active service while 27 are scheduled for retirement shortly after their promotion, in line with public service regulations.
At GL 15–16, 91 Assistant Directors were promoted to Deputy Directors, while 82 Chief Officers on GL 14–15 advanced to Assistant Directors. Additionally, 2,121 intermediate officers on GL 07–13 across various departments of the Commission were promoted.
Since its establishment in 1998, INEC has maintained a structured career progression framework designed to reward merit, encourage long-term service, and sustain institutional expertise.
Annual promotion exercises, particularly for senior and intermediate officers, have been central to this framework. They ensure continuity in leadership, strengthen institutional memory, and support succession planning, particularly important as the Commission prepares for key electoral activities.
Speaking on the significance of the exercise, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said, “These promotions reflect our determination to reward dedication, merit, and years of service.
Our staff are the backbone of the Commission, and nurturing their growth ensures that INEC remains strong, professional, and prepared for future electoral engagements.”
He added, “By recognizing and promoting our staff, we are investing not just in individuals, but in the future of the Commission itself. This exercise ensures continuity of expertise across all levels, which is crucial as we approach key electoral activities.”
The Commission congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to continue demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and impartiality in the discharge of their duties.
“We expect our newly promoted officers to lead by example, uphold the highest standards of service, and contribute to the Commission’s mission of conducting free, fair, and credible elections,” Prof. Amupitan emphasized.
The 2025 Senior Staff Promotion Exercise, which elevated 2,339 officers, marks one of the largest in recent years, highlighting INEC’s ongoing commitment to building a resilient, professional, and motivated workforce capable of meeting Nigeria’s complex electoral challenges.
