The Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan has assured citizens that every vote will count in the 2027 general elections.
He gave the assurance on Friday in Minna, Niger State, during a visit to former Head of State and National Peace Committee Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.).
Amupitan visited alongside a delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Commission’s Secretary, directors, and technical advisors.
Amupitan described Abubakar as “the father of democracy in Nigeria”, noting that his transition to civilian rule in 1999 marked a defining moment in the country’s democratic history.
The INEC chairman stated that the previous Head of State was considered “not merely as a statesman but as a pillar of support for INEC.”
He also praised Abubakar’s efforts as Chairman of the National Peace Committee, calling the Peace Accord program “a moralising influence on Nigeria’s political ecosystem.”
According to INEC, Amupitan stated that the initiative gave a venue for political actors to commit to nonviolence, supporting “the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.”
Amupitan framed the visit as a “pilgrimage of appreciation” honoring Abubakar’s ongoing contributions to peace, election integrity, and democratic stability, while also extending warm wishes for the former Head of State’s recent 84th birthday.
The INEC chief further reassured Abubakar that despite the immense pressure facing the agency, it stands firm in its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the ballot and upholding the democratic choice of Nigerians.
He said, “The Commission’s determination under my leadership was to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes would be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” describing this as “the core assurance INEC owed the electorate.”
Amupitan also formally confirmed the dates for the 2027 general elections.
Backstory…
With Nigeria’s 2027 general elections now just five months away, political activities and electoral preparations have gathered significant momentum across the country.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified voter education, stakeholder engagements and logistical planning, while political parties have stepped up campaigns, coalition talks and candidate mobilization ahead of the polls.
Security agencies have also begun reviewing deployment strategies to safeguard the electoral process amid concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.
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