The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has assured Nigerians that the 2027 General Election will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and technology-driven manner, stressing that the Commission will not condone any form of misconduct in the electoral process.
Speaking in Lagos at the Commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat, held from January 9 to 10, Amupitan said INEC was positioning itself to meet the demands of a fast-changing electoral environment and the rising expectations of Nigerians.
“We gather here today not merely as electoral administrators and leaders, but as the custodians of the will of the Nigerian people.
“This retreat serves as a bridge between our institutional experience and the innovative demands of a rapidly evolving electoral landscape,” he said.
He commended INEC staff for their conduct during the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, describing it as a significant milestone at the start of his tenure.
Amupitan explained that preparations for the 2027 General Election would include key electoral activities such as the February 2026 FCT Area Council elections and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
“These elections are not just routine exercises; they are the testing grounds for our resolve and our readiness. They offer us the chance to refine our processes… ensuring that every technical and logistical gear is perfectly oiled before the grand national exercise of 2027,” he said.
The INEC chairman identified five core principles that would remain central to the Commission’s operations: free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
“We are here to organise elections that are free from any form of interference; fair to all contestants and political parties; credible in the eyes of the global community; transparent in every process… and inclusive of every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability or location,” he said.
He drew attention to the growing influence of first-time voters in 2027, noting that young Nigerians would insist on openness and instant transparency.
“Millions of young citizens will be approaching the ballot box for the very first time. These are digital natives who demand transparency in real time and have little patience for opacity. It is our duty to prove to these tech-savvy, and often sceptical, young voters that INEC can be trusted,” he said.
On the legal framework guiding elections, Amupitan emphasised unwavering compliance with the law, declaring, “Let it be known that under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system.”
He disclosed that discussions at the retreat would cover 17 critical thematic areas, including logistics, ad-hoc personnel, transportation, voter registration, election security and political party administration.
“We must ensure that the Continuous Voter Registration and revalidation exercises are beyond reproach. We will discuss election security… and how to enforce internal democracy and transparency in party finances,” he stressed.
According to Amupitan, INEC now has a rare opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s electoral history by setting bold objectives for 2027.
“The 2027 General Election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history. Let it be said that under our watch, INEC became the best Election Management Body in Africa — a beacon of integrity, a model of technological efficiency, and a fortress of democratic values,” he declared.
He cautioned that violations of the Commission’s principles would not go unpunished.
“I reaffirm my commitment to your welfare, but I must also reiterate that any compromise on our values or processes will have consequences. There is no room for misconduct, whether by omission or commission.
“Let us use this retreat to break down silos, foster open communication, volunteer constructive feedback and emerge as a united front,” the INEC chairman said.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami, welcomed participants and described the retreat as an important step in the Commission’s ongoing development.
He said the programme was aimed at building leadership capacity and improving operational readiness, noting that public expectations of the electoral process were “higher than ever” and urging officials to meet those expectations.
Salami added that the retreat would enhance institutional knowledge and encourage peer interaction, providing an opportunity for collaboration and the exchange of ideas to strengthen INEC as a unified institution.
“As we advance towards the 2027 General Election, the importance of early planning, strategic coordination and institutional cohesion cannot be overstated,” Salami said.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
