INEC Stays Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections - Amupitan

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has confirmed that the commission will stay neutral before the 2027 general election. He said INEC does not have any candidate or political party to support.

In a post from INEC’s X handle on Sunday, Amupitan made this statement during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli. This visit was part of the commission’s outreach and planning for the 2027 elections.

The visit was also part of INEC’s efforts to meet with staff and assess its readiness at the zonal level. Amupitan was not alone; he was joined by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, Special Aides, and other senior officials from the commission.

Amupitan called traditional institutions key players in the electoral process. He noted their influence and reach within their communities.

He emphasized that elections are about the social contract between citizens and those in public office. He said public trust is vital for democracy to work well.

Amupitan mentioned that INEC has started planning early because of the large scale of conducting elections across Nigeria. He stated that the commission has moved past last-minute planning.

He said INEC is testing, auditing, and improving its operational systems long before the 2027 elections. Amupitan assured the Emir that INEC is committed to being neutral, fair, and transparent during the elections.

"We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria," the INEC chairman said.

He also noted that the commission will keep engaging traditional institutions and other stakeholders as it ramps up preparations for the 2027 General Election.