The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election in Nigeria. According to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, the commission is strengthening its leadership capacity, operational systems, and institutional coherence to meet rising public expectations.
Speaking at a two-day induction and strategic retreat for newly appointed Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners in Lagos, Amupitan emphasized the importance of early planning, strategic coordination, and adherence to the rule of law in ensuring the credibility of the 2027 general election. The retreat, held on January 9-10, 2026, aimed to induct new members into INEC’s institutional framework and deliberate on critical thematic areas to strengthen election management.
Amupitan outlined five non-negotiable pillars guiding the commission’s mandate: elections free from interference, fairness to all parties and candidates, credibility, transparency, and inclusivity. He noted that the growing population of young, first-time voters demands transparency and has little tolerance for opacity, requiring systems that are inclusive, technologically sound, and beyond reproach.
The INEC chairman assured that the commission will operate strictly within the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and any subsequent amendments, with respect for the rule of law remaining fundamental to its operations. The retreat focused on 17 critical areas, including logistics, election security, political party regulation, and election result management, to strengthen the commission’s preparedness for the 2027 general election.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for experienced state-level implementers to share lessons from off-cycle elections and inform strategies to improve the integrity of the voter register, election logistics, and personnel training. Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to staff welfare, assuring that the commission will provide the necessary tools and environment for optimal performance.
The retreat is seen as a significant milestone in INEC’s continuous institutional evolution, with Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, emphasizing the importance of early planning, coordination, and institutional cohesion in advancing towards the 2027 general election. The commission’s leadership has been urged to break down institutional silos, promote open communication, and emerge united in restoring and sustaining public trust in the electoral process.
