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| Photo Credit — Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan |
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has restated the commission’s commitment to neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Amupitan made clear that INEC has no preferred candidate or political party. The visit formed part of the commission’s stakeholder engagements and zonal readiness assessments as it prepares for the polls.
According to a statement from INEC, Amupitan described traditional institutions as important partners in the electoral process because of their influence and reach at the grassroots level. He noted that elections represent a social contract between citizens and those in public office, and that public trust remains essential for democracy to work.
The INEC chairman explained that the commission is starting preparations early due to the scale and complexity of elections in Nigeria. He said INEC has moved away from last-minute efforts and is already testing, auditing, and strengthening its systems well in advance of 2027.
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Amupitan assured the Emir of the commission’s dedication to fairness, transparency, and impartiality. “We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” he stated.
He appealed to the Emir to use his position to advise political parties, candidates, and supporters against violence and hate-driven campaigns.
Elections, he stressed, should not be treated as a do-or-die contest but as a peaceful way for citizens to express their choices. He particularly urged traditional rulers to discourage young people from being drawn into political violence.
Amupitan also called on eligible voters to take part actively in the process, including collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). An informed and engaged electorate, he said, is vital for a healthy democracy.
In his response, the Emir of Zazzau welcomed the INEC delegation and thanked Amupitan for sharing updates on preparations and the election timetable. He encouraged the commission to ensure sensitive materials and equipment arrive on time and that devices are properly tested before deployment to polling units.
The Emir highlighted the importance of security, timely information, and prompt announcement of results in building public confidence. He also urged political parties and their supporters to behave responsibly during campaigns and avoid hate speech or actions that could undermine national unity.
This engagement underscores INEC’s ongoing efforts to involve key stakeholders early as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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