The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission will remain neutral in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan said INEC had no preferred candidate or political party to favour, stressing that its responsibility was to protect the will of Nigerian voters.
He made the declaration during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, in Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of the commission’s stakeholder engagement and preparations for the 2027 elections.
The visit was also part of INEC’s zonal readiness assessment and planned engagement with its staff as the commission intensifies preparations for the nationwide polls.
Amupitan described traditional institutions as important stakeholders in the electoral process, citing their influence and grassroots reach across communities.
He said elections were fundamentally about the relationship between citizens and those entrusted with public office, adding that public confidence remained essential to the success of democracy.
According to the INEC chairman, the commission commenced preparations early because of the scale and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria.
He said INEC had moved away from last-minute preparations and was already testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” Amupitan said.
He also urged traditional rulers to continue supporting peaceful participation and responsible conduct ahead of the elections.
Amupitan appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid treating the elections as a do-or-die affair, urging them instead to embrace peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
He further called on traditional institutions to discourage young people from being used for political violence and thuggery, while encouraging eligible citizens to participate actively in the electoral process.
The INEC chairman said the commission would continue engaging traditional rulers and other stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 general elections progress.
About the Author
