The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has reiterated the commission's commitment to conducting transparent, credible, and acceptable elections in 2027. Speaking at a panel session during the sixth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State, Amupitan assured Nigerians that there will be no predetermined results in the upcoming general elections. This pledge marks a continuation of his efforts to ensure the integrity of the electoral process since assuming office on October 23, 2025.
Amupitan identified security as one of the commission's major concerns ahead of the 2027 elections, citing ongoing insecurity in some states as a potential source of disenfranchisement for Nigerians. To address this challenge, the INEC chairman disclosed that the commission is liaising with the police, as the lead agency on election security, to develop strategies for conducting elections in volatile areas. He warned that perpetrators of pre-election violence will be arrested and prosecuted, emphasizing the importance of a secure environment for the electoral process.
The INEC chairman also expressed concern about the growing culture of personality-based politics and intolerance among political actors, urging them to focus on issues rather than attacking opponents. Amupitan emphasized that INEC is working with law-enforcement agencies to ensure that those found culpable of offences under the Electoral Act are arrested, investigated, and prosecuted. This commitment to addressing electoral malpractices is part of the commission's broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.
On the issue of litigations arising from political party primaries, Amupitan stated that such disputes are matters for the courts and will not stop the conduct of the 2027 elections. He explained that the Electoral Act provides for the determination of primary-related cases through the judicial process up to the final appellate level. This clarification aims to reassure stakeholders that the electoral process will not be unduly disrupted by pending litigations.
Amupitan disclosed that INEC is strengthening its intelligence-gathering capacity to tackle vote buying, which increasingly takes place outside polling units. The commission is working towards establishing a joint task force involving the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General's office, and other security agencies to address this challenge. This initiative underscores the commission's commitment to preventing electoral malpractice and ensuring the credibility of the electoral process.
The INEC chairman cited the recent off-cycle elections in Anambra, FCT, and Osun as providing useful lessons for the 2027 general elections. He noted that none of the five off-cycle elections conducted so far had been declared inconclusive, highlighting the progress made in improving the electoral process. Amupitan reaffirmed that INEC remains determined to ensure that Nigerians have confidence in the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of transparency and credibility in the upcoming elections.
Amupitan's commitment to credible elections has garnered attention from stakeholders, including the international community. On August 22, 2026, he reassured the Canadian High Commissioner, Pasquale Salvaggio, of INEC's independence, neutrality, and unyielding commitment to democratic integrity. As the 2027 elections approach, Nigerians and international observers alike will be watching closely to see if INEC can deliver on its promise of free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections that accurately reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
Key points
- INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan reiterates commitment to conducting transparent, credible, and acceptable elections in 2027.
- The commission is working to address security concerns, electoral malpractice, and strengthen logistics ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Amupitan emphasizes the importance of a secure environment for the electoral process, warning that perpetrators of pre-election violence will be arrested and prosecuted.
