The Independent National Electoral Commission has restated its commitment to conducting the 2027 general elections without favouring any candidate or political organisation.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the position known on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of the commission’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders ahead of the next general election.
The engagement was held in connection with INEC’s zonal-level assessment of its preparedness and an interactive session planned for members of its workforce.
Amupitan, who led a delegation of senior officials to the emir’s palace, used the occasion to emphasise the importance of impartiality in the electoral process.
He was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, Special Advisers and other top officials of the electoral body.
Speaking during the meeting, the INEC chairman identified traditional rulers as important participants in the electoral process, particularly because of their strong connections and influence within local communities.
He explained that traditional institutions could play a significant role in promoting peaceful participation and strengthening confidence in elections.
According to Amupitan, elections go beyond the process of selecting political office holders, as they form part of the relationship between citizens and individuals entrusted with leadership positions.
He stressed that confidence in the electoral system remains essential if democratic governance is to function effectively.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission had begun preparations for the 2027 polls well ahead of schedule because of the enormous logistical and administrative demands involved in organising elections across the country.
He said the electoral body was deliberately avoiding the practice of waiting until the final stages before putting necessary arrangements in place.
Instead, Amupitan said INEC had started examining its procedures, reviewing its systems and carrying out necessary checks to identify and address possible weaknesses before election day.
He noted that the early preparations were intended to improve the commission’s overall level of readiness and ensure that its operations could effectively meet the demands of the nationwide exercise.
Addressing concerns about INEC’s impartiality, Amupitan assured the Emir that the commission would maintain an even-handed position throughout the electoral process.
He stressed that the commission has no preferred contestant or political platform and would not work in the interest of any particular political group.
The INEC chairman said the only interest guiding the commission was the collective choice of Nigerian voters.
He stated that INEC’s responsibility was to administer the electoral process in a manner that respects the wishes of the electorate and protects the credibility of the democratic system.
Amupitan further said the commission would sustain consultations with traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
He maintained that cooperation among electoral authorities, community leaders and other participants would remain important as the country moves closer to the polls.
The visit to the Emir of Zazzau therefore formed part of INEC’s wider stakeholder engagement programme designed to strengthen its preparedness and deepen communication with important groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission has continued to emphasise neutrality, fairness and transparency as central principles guiding its preparations for the upcoming electoral cycle.
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