The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has pledged that the 2027 General Election will be free, fair, transparent, and technologically driven, stressing that the Commission will tolerate no misconduct in the electoral process.
Speaking at the 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat of the Commission held in Lagos from January 9–10, Amupitan said INEC must rise to the expectations of Nigerians amid a rapidly evolving electoral landscape.
“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.
Amupitan commended INEC staff for their performance in the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, describing it as a defining moment early in his tenure.
He noted that the road to 2027 would pass through key electoral milestones, including the February 2026 FCT Area Council elections and off-cycle governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun States.
“These elections are not just routine exercises; they are the testing grounds for our resolve and 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.
Five Non-Negotiable Pillars
The INEC chairman outlined five guiding principles for the Commission’s work:
- Free elections, devoid of interference
- Fairness to all contestants and parties
- Credibility in the eyes of Nigerians and the global community
- Transparency in every process
- Inclusiveness for all citizens, regardless of ability or location
He emphasized the role of first-time young voters, describing them as “digital natives” who demand real-time transparency.
“Millions of young citizens will be approaching the ballot box for the very first time. It is our duty to prove to these tech-savvy, and often sceptical, young voters that INEC can be trusted,” he said.
Amupitan stressed strict adherence to the law, declaring: “Under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system.”
He revealed that the retreat would deliberate on 17 thematic areas, including logistics, ad-hoc staff, transportation, voter registration, election security, and political party management.
“We must ensure that 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 added.
Amupitan said INEC had a golden opportunity to rewrite Nigeria’s electoral history.
“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 warned that any breach of INEC values would attract sanctions, stressing that misconduct would not be tolerated.
Lagos REC’s Remarks
Welcoming participants, Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Ayobami Salami said the retreat marked a significant milestone in INEC’s evolution.
He noted that public expectations of the electoral process were “higher than ever” and urged officials to rise to the challenge.
“As we advance towards the 2027 General Election, the importance of early planning, strategic coordination and institutional cohesion cannot be overstated,” Salami said.
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