By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on traditional rulers in the South-East to mobilise eligible voters and help prevent violence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the appeal on Monday during a visit to the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, in Enugu.
Amupitan said traditional institutions could play a significant role in encouraging voter participation, promoting peaceful elections and discouraging practices that threaten the credibility of the electoral process.
He urged royal fathers to encourage eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while advising political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject vote-buying and electoral violence.
According to him, the Commission is assessing its preparedness for the elections, with preparations involving the arrival of non-sensitive materials, procurement of logistics and the ordering of additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS).
The INEC chairman reaffirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections were scheduled for February 6, 2027.
He called on traditional rulers to use their influence within their communities to promote peaceful conduct among political actors and young people before, during and after the elections.
INEC Raises Concern Over Threats to Election Personnel
Amupitan also disclosed that INEC was collaborating with security agencies to address threats against electoral personnel, including ad hoc staff.
He referred to the reported arrest of individuals suspected of masterminding the kidnapping of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, highlighting the need to protect personnel involved in election duties.
The chairman assured Nigerians that the Commission remained committed to neutrality, transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
He added that votes validly cast across the South-East would be accurately reflected in the final results.
Responding, Asadu pledged the support of traditional rulers, promising to encourage eligible residents who had registered to collect their PVCs ahead of the elections.
INEC Warns Staff Against Political Bias
In a separate engagement with INEC personnel in Enugu, Amupitan warned staff against political partisanship and misconduct.
He stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend partly on the professionalism, integrity and accountability of electoral officials.
The chairman said the Commission was preparing to train personnel on the new Electoral Act, election guidelines and regulations to strengthen their understanding of the rules governing the polls.
He also disclosed that INEC was working to upgrade its facilities and improve result management as part of efforts to strengthen election administration.
On staff welfare, Amupitan said a new salary structure had been approved, with implementation expected to cover the period beginning January 2026.
The engagements form part of INEC’s nationwide assessment of its readiness for the 2027 general elections.
With voter participation, electoral security and public confidence remaining important concerns, the Commission is seeking the support of traditional institutions and other stakeholders to encourage peaceful participation and strengthen the credibility of the polls.
Source: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
