The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence and focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections. Amupitan made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, at the Emir's Palace in Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of the Commission's nationwide Zonal Readiness Assessment and Interactive Staff Engagement.
Amupitan emphasized that elections should not be treated as do-or-die affairs, but rather as a peaceful celebration of civic choice. He urged the traditional ruler to counsel the youth against being used as tools for political violence and thuggery. The INEC chairman also encouraged residents of the Zazzau Emirate to participate actively in the electoral process, from collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to voting peacefully on election days.
A vibrant democracy requires an engaged, informed, and participating electorate, Amupitan said. He disclosed that the visit was part of the Commission's tradition of engaging traditional rulers, citing similar consultations with the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, over 50 Osun monarchs, and the Oba of Lagos. Amupitan noted that conducting a national election in Africa's largest democracy requires early planning, operational discipline, and extensive stakeholder engagement.
The INEC chairman announced that the Commission had fixed the statutory dates for the 2027 general elections, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections set for February 6, 2027. He assured the Emirate that INEC remains committed to absolute neutrality, fairness, and transparency, with no interest other than the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
Responding, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended Amupitan for leading the delegation and providing information on preparations for the 2027 elections. The Emir identified fairness, justice, a level playing field, security, timely dissemination of information, and prompt release of results as critical to a successful electoral process. He urged INEC to address concerns arising from previous elections, particularly the late distribution of materials and technical challenges.
Bamalli called for election equipment to be adequately tested before deployment and for election officials and materials to arrive at polling units on time. He appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly during the campaign period and minimize hate speech and actions threatening peace and national cohesion. The Emir expressed optimism that Nigeria would remain united and sustain democratic governance.
The INEC chairman and his entourage are in Kaduna as part of the nationwide readiness assessment and are expected to meet with staff from North-West states. Amupitan's engagement with traditional rulers and stakeholders aims to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. The 2027 general elections are expected to be a significant event in Nigeria's democratic journey, with the voter register approaching 100 million.
Key points
- INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan urges peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The 2027 general elections are scheduled to take place on January 16 and February 6, 2027.
- INEC remains committed to absolute neutrality, fairness, and transparency in the electoral process.
