The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has stated that the commission will adhere strictly to its statutory obligations, stressing that the 2027 general election timetable is fixed and will not be altered without lawful justification. Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, Amupitan maintained that the polls must hold as scheduled. He warned against attacks on electoral officials, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, during next year's elections.
Amupitan made the remarks during an interactive meeting with INEC staff from the six South-south states to assess the commission's preparedness for the forthcoming elections. The meeting aimed to evaluate the commission's readiness and address concerns ahead of the elections. Amupitan emphasized the importance of ensuring that no eligible voter is denied the opportunity to exercise their franchise. He noted that Rivers State, with the highest number of registered voters in the South-south, would receive particular attention in the commission's preparations.
According to figures released by the commission, Rivers State has 3,736,434 registered voters, followed by Delta with 3,525,988; Edo, 2,865,263; Akwa Ibom, 2,566,198; Cross River, 1,928,978; and Bayelsa, 1,200,691. The six states have a combined 15,823,550 registered voters. Amupitan stressed that the state's electoral significance placed additional responsibility on INEC officials to ensure a smooth voting process.
The INEC chairman also announced that the commission is addressing submissions of claims for corrections to the voters' register ahead of the release of the final voters' register scheduled for December 15. He disclosed that INEC had published the register online and at designated locations for public scrutiny, adding that the commission had received more than 5,000 claims for corrections, including names and dates of birth, as well as over 600 objections.
Amupitan explained that although he had initially considered revalidating the entire voters' register after assuming office, he abandoned the proposal because he feared the exercise would come too close to the general election. Instead, the commission is focusing on correcting errors and updating the existing register. This approach aims to ensure that the voters' register is accurate and up-to-date.
The INEC chairman expressed confidence in INEC's capacity to deliver peaceful, transparent, and credible elections, citing lessons from recent off-cycle governorship elections. He described the Osun State governorship poll as encouraging, noting that it recorded the highest voter turnout in recent times. Amupitan attributed the success to the commission's preparedness and the cooperation of stakeholders.
Amupitan concluded by warning that perpetrators of attacks on electoral officials and NYSC members would face the full weight of the law. He emphasized that the commission is committed to ensuring that the 2027 general election is free, fair, and credible. The commission's efforts aim to build trust and confidence in the electoral process.
Key points
- The INEC chairman has ruled out any adjustment to the timetable for the 2027 general election without lawful justification.
- The commission will release the final voters' register on December 15.
- Rivers State, with the highest number of registered voters in the South-south, will receive particular attention in the commission's preparations.
