By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA, March 19, 2026 — The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has acknowledged a significant trust gap between the electoral body and Nigerians, calling on the media to play a central role in rebuilding public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Executive Committee of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja, Professor Amupitan said the commission is fully aware of the skepticism surrounding electoral processes and is committed to improving transparency and communication.
The meeting marked the first formal engagement between the commission’s leadership and the Press Corps since Amupitan’s appointment in late 2025.
He commended journalists covering the electoral beat for their professionalism and urged sustained collaboration to ensure that accurate and transparent information about electoral processes reaches citizens across the country.
“The media remains a critical partner in shaping public perception. We must work together to ensure Nigerians understand the processes and reforms being implemented,” he said.
The Chairman of the INEC Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, who led the delegation, described Nigerian elections as a complex logistical undertaking that requires cooperation among all stakeholders. He also praised the INEC leadership for what he termed a transparent approach since assuming office.
Ojumu was accompanied by John Onah, Assistant Secretary of the Press Corps, and Chux Ukwuatu, Welfare Director.
The engagement comes as INEC intensifies preparations for a series of high-stakes elections under the revised framework introduced by the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the commission’s timetable, the 2027 general elections will be conducted in two phases: presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, followed by governorship and State House of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027.
Ahead of the nationwide polls, INEC is also set to conduct off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State on June 20, 2026, and Osun State on August 8, 2026—both considered key indicators of the commission’s readiness.
Professor Amupitan, who succeeded Professor Mahmood Yakubu, reiterated his commitment to delivering free, fair, and inclusive elections as Nigeria approaches a critical electoral period.
