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By Gabriel Ameh
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission is prepared to conduct free, fair, transparent and credible general elections in 2027.
Amupitan gave the assurance at the flag-off of the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA) nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign for the 2027 general elections, held under the theme, “Your Vote, Your Voice: Say No to Vote-Buying and Violence.”
He called on Nigerians to see the forthcoming elections as an opportunity to strengthen national unity, promote democratic values and overcome divisive tendencies.
According to the INEC chairman, Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 elections must combine effective electoral administration with greater civic awareness and responsible participation by citizens.
He stressed that although technology, logistics and administrative efficiency are important to election management, the legitimacy of democracy ultimately depends on an informed and engaged electorate.
Amupitan described the NOA’s constitutional responsibility to promote civic responsibility, democratic values and active citizenship across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local government areas as vital to Nigeria’s democratic development.
He noted that INEC and NOA share a nationwide presence and statutory responsibilities that place both institutions in strategic positions to promote electoral awareness and democratic participation.
The INEC chairman explained that the commission’s operations extend beyond the federal, state and local government levels to wards, towns, villages and communities across the country.
He said this extensive operational structure makes election management in Nigeria a complex and demanding responsibility.
INEC Begins Early Preparations for 2027 Elections
Amupitan defended the early preparations for the 2027 general elections, explaining that elections should be understood as a continuous process rather than a single-day event.
According to him, preparations for the next general election began after the conclusion and certification of the 2023 general election results.
He disclosed that INEC had spent the intervening period reviewing its operations, analysing reports from domestic and international election observers, and conducting post-election assessments to identify areas requiring improvement.
The commission also began the year with a retreat in Lagos, where electoral officials simulated election processes and examined potential challenges ahead of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan said the retreat, organised with the support of international partners and attended by heads of election management bodies from other African countries, helped the commission identify issues that could affect the conduct of the elections.
He specifically highlighted information disorder, including misinformation, as one of the challenges requiring attention ahead of the polls.
Nigeria’s Elections Have Wider African Significance
The INEC chairman described Nigeria’s electoral process as one of the most complex administrative exercises on the African continent, noting that other African countries closely observe developments in Nigeria.
He said the country’s ability to conduct credible elections would have implications beyond its borders, given Nigeria’s influence and importance to the continent.
Amupitan urged Nigerians to recognise their shared interests and contribute to building a stronger, more united country.
He argued that Nigeria’s democratic progress was important to Africa’s broader development aspirations, adding that the country possessed significant human resources and expertise across several sectors.
INEC Says More Than 103 Million Voters Are Eligible
As part of the commission’s preparations, Amupitan identified the establishment of a reliable voters’ register as a fundamental requirement for the 2027 general elections.
He disclosed that Nigeria had more than 103 million registered voters eligible to participate in the elections.
The INEC chairman’s remarks underscore the scale of the electoral exercise and the importance of accurate voter records, public awareness and effective coordination among institutions responsible for election administration.
The NOA’s grassroots mobilisation campaign is expected to contribute to voter education and encourage citizens to participate responsibly in the electoral process.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the emphasis on civic responsibility, national unity and early preparation is intended to support a process in which Nigerians can exercise their voting rights peacefully and make informed electoral choices.
Source: Media360Impact Report, based on remarks delivered by INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan at the NOA’s grassroots mobilisation campaign launch.
