The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has called on the National Peace Committee (NPC) and other stakeholders to intensify collaborative efforts to rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Prof. Amupitan made the appeal on Monday at a stakeholder briefing and presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the NPC at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The engagement brought together political party leaders, heads of security agencies and civil society representatives, reflecting a shared commitment to peaceful, credible and inclusive elections. The Chairman of the Committee and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, was represented by the Committee’s Convener, Mathew Hassan Kukah.
In his remarks, the INEC Chairman acknowledged widespread concerns over declining public trust in the electoral process, describing the trust deficit as palpable and requiring sustained, collective action.
He emphasised that voter participation remains central to democratic legitimacy, warning that low turnout undermines the credibility of electoral outcomes. According to him, democratic consolidation must rest not only on legality but also on legitimacy, anchored in transparent and accountable processes.
Prof. Amupitan noted that virtually all National Commissioners, alongside senior management staff, attended the briefing—an indication of the Commission’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and institutional reform.
He reiterated that while INEC continues to refine its operational procedures, credible elections are a shared responsibility. Political parties, he said, must strengthen internal discipline and mobilise their supporters responsibly to reverse declining voter turnout.
The Chairman also highlighted ongoing reforms in results management, stating that additional safeguards have been introduced to enhance consistency and transparency. Though he did not disclose operational specifics, he indicated that some measures had already been tested in recent electoral exercises.
Addressing the challenge of misinformation and disinformation, Prof. Amupitan warned that the spread of false narratives during elections erodes public confidence and can heighten tensions. He said the Commission is working with security agencies and other relevant institutions to counter false information and promote accurate reporting of electoral activities.
On electoral offences, particularly vote trading, he stressed that such practices remain criminal under Nigerian law and require decisive enforcement. He urged law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations and pursue prosecutions where warranted.
The INEC Chairman further disclosed that the Commission is prioritising the continuous sanitisation of the voter register to eliminate duplications and outdated records, describing a credible register as foundational to credible elections.
Looking ahead, he identified the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States as critical benchmarks in preparations for 2027. He revealed that the Commission is considering additional technology testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units, to strengthen operational readiness.
Prof. Amupitan also underscored the importance of timely release of election funds in line with the amended legal framework, noting that early access to resources is vital for procurement, logistics and strategic planning.
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf, General Abdulsalami reaffirmed the NPC’s role as a neutral platform for dialogue and confidence-building. He observed that since 2015, the Peace Accord framework has served as a stabilising instrument in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
The stakeholder engagement forms part of INEC’s broader consultations aimed at reinforcing peaceful conduct, enhancing institutional credibility and consolidating public trust as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum.
