By Gabriel Ameh
INEC Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support for Peace, Higher Voter Turnout in 2027
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on traditional rulers across Nigeria to support peaceful elections and encourage greater citizen participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, at Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island.
The visit followed the conclusion of the commission’s South-West Zonal Readiness Assessment and Staff Interactive Session.
Amupitan formally sought the partnership of the Lagos Traditional Council in promoting peaceful elections, encouraging voter participation and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
He described traditional institutions as important partners in maintaining peace and social stability, stressing that their influence could help create a conducive environment for credible elections.
“We are here today to formally enlist Your Royal Majesty and the Lagos Traditional Council as powerful partners in keeping the peace and safeguarding our democracy,” the INEC chairman said.
Amupitan stressed that elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to freely choose their leaders rather than become a source of conflict and violence.
He also noted that electoral technology, on its own, could not guarantee credible elections, saying active citizen participation and community support were equally important.
The INEC chairman appealed to Oba Akiolu to use his influence to mobilise Lagos residents to participate actively in the 2027 electoral process.
“We humbly request your royal voice to help us mobilise the good people of Lagos,” he said.
According to Amupitan, the National Register of Voters is approaching 100 million, making cooperation among electoral authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens increasingly important.
He described traditional rulers as enduring pillars of Nigerian communities, noting that political parties and electoral commissions may change, while traditional institutions continue to maintain strong relationships with their communities.
Amupitan also urged the monarch to caution political actors against divisive campaigns as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
He called for issue-based campaigns focused on policies and development rather than personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric or actions capable of deepening political tensions.
The INEC chairman outlined three key areas where he sought the monarch’s support.
These include providing support for INEC officials and ad-hoc personnel working during the elections, encouraging eligible residents to complete voter registration and collect their Permanent Voter Cards, and promoting peace among community leaders, youth groups, market associations and political actors.
Responding, Oba Akiolu welcomed the appeal and urged politicians to move away from short-term political patronage and focus instead on empowering citizens through genuine capacity building.
“Politicians must move away from the culture of short-term patronage and focus on genuine capacity building,” the monarch said.
The Oba also advocated issue-based political campaigns devoid of hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric.
He urged traditional rulers to strengthen civic participation and guide young Nigerians towards responsible engagement with the democratic process.
“As Royal Fathers, it is our solemn duty to guide our communities and inspire citizens to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic franchise,” he said.
Oba Akiolu further charged the INEC leadership to remain impartial, transparent and committed to its constitutional responsibilities throughout the electoral process.
“I appeal to the Chairman and National Commissioners to remain unwavering, honest, and steadfast in your sacred trust,” he said.
The monarch also called on the Federal Government to provide timely funding for the 2027 elections and adequately equip INEC to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The engagement underscores the growing importance of collaboration between electoral authorities and traditional institutions as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
