By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process as it commences early strategic preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the assurance on Tuesday at a Leadership Workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for the Commission’s leadership.
The three-day workshop is holding from January 13 to 15, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Prof. Amupitan described the workshop as timely, noting that the Commission is currently navigating a critical phase of leadership transition, marked by changes at the top and the retirement of several directors and senior management staff after years of distinguished service.
According to him, sustaining INEC’s institutional continuity must go beyond preserving existing structures and instead be anchored on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership, and unity of vision.
“Continuity does not mean sameness,” he said. “It means the ability to faithfully carry forward our constitutional mandate while adapting to emerging realities with insight and resolve.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Election, the INEC Chairman said Nigerians expect an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct, and credible in its outcomes. He explained that these expectations informed the Commission’s ongoing induction programme and strategic retreat, aimed at setting a clear direction for 2027 and beyond.
Prof. Amupitan acknowledged that despite notable reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023, public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile. He warned that democracy cannot thrive without trust, especially in an era where misinformation and disinformation increasingly undermine electoral credibility.
“In an era where fake news travels faster than the truth, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against orchestrated falsehoods even before the first vote is cast,” he said.
He reaffirmed that under his leadership, INEC remains firmly committed to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines. He added that rebuilding public confidence is not a one-off task but a daily operational responsibility that guides every decision of the Commission.
The INEC Chairman also noted that the leadership workshop, which brought together the Chairman and all National Commissioners, reflects the Commission’s belief in collective leadership and shared responsibility in addressing electoral risks and leveraging emerging opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Seray Jah, said the workshop marks the early strategic phase of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 General Election. He stressed that the credibility of elections is largely shaped by decisions taken early in the electoral cycle.
Mr. Jah noted that IFES has partnered with INEC since 1998, supporting efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system through strategic planning, election operations, technology deployment, institutional reform, and inclusion.
According to him, the workshop offers INEC’s leadership an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges, including increasingly complex logistics, responsible use of technology, misinformation and AI-driven risks, internal coordination, and sustaining public confidence in a highly polarised environment.
He reaffirmed IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 electoral cycle and beyond, while also acknowledging the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in advancing electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.
The three-day workshop brought together INEC National Commissioners, senior management staff, and international partners to deliberate on strategic opportunities and challenges in electoral administration, with a focus on leadership, institutional resilience, and public trust.
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