The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, has reassured the Nigerian electorate that their votes will count during the 2027 general elections, contrary to the negative impressions in many quarters.
The electoral umpire boss gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), in Minna, Niger State at the weekend.
Leading a delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Directors and Technical Aides of the Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, in his remarks described General Abubakar as the father of democracy in Nigeria, explaining that his mid-wiving the transition to civilian rule in 1999 marked a defining moment in the country’s democratic history.
He also announced that the commission regarded him not merely as a statesman, but also a pillar of support for INEC, describing his Peace Accord initiative as a moralising influence on Nigeria’s political ecosystem.
While commending General Abubakar’s role as Chairman of the National Peace Committee, he said the initiative had, over the years, provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence, thereby strengthening the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.
“This visit is a pilgrimage of appreciation to your contributions to peaceful coexistence, peaceful elections, and democratic stability in the country. I congratulate you on your recent 84th birthday anniversary.
“Let me also say that regardless of the pressures confronting the commission, INEC remained committed to ensuring that the will of the Nigerian people, as expressed at the elections, would prevail.
“The commission’s determination under my leadership is to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes would be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections. This as the core assurance INEC owed the electorate,” he promised.
Amupitan equally used the occasion to formally confirm that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on 16 January 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would take place on 6 February 2027.
Speaking further, Amupitan thanked him for the Peace Accord initiative, noting that it has provided a vital platform for political actors to commit to non-violence.
“Your initiative and intervention, especially the Peace Accord, have not only provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence, but have also strengthened the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.
“This prevails against disharmony and discord, for which INEC is forever grateful to you, sir.
“We also congratulate you on your recent birthday anniversary and recognise your contributions to national unity. Since the transition period in 1999, you have been involved in peacebuilding not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. History will be kind to you,” Amupitan said.
Responding, General Abubakar commended the commission’s leadership, describing his position as one of the most demanding positions in the country, given the divergent expectations of political actors regardless of whatever direction the commission takes.
While describing the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most critical and challenging roles in Nigeria’s democratic framework, he noted: “Your appointment is very, very critical to our democratic setting.”
“With the politicians, you need to do a lot to gain their confidence because whatever you and your commissioners do, you will stand accused of bias one way or another.
“If anybody in the political system loses an election, you become the whipping child. They will find excuses to claim that INEC has done something wrong. However, with the confidence we have in you, I am absolutely sure and, I pray that you will do the best you can for this country,” Abubakar said.
He also advised the electoral chief and his team to remain steadfast, ignore unwarranted distractions, and strictly abide by their oath of office.
“The INEC Chairman cannot do this job alone, but the buck stops with you. I am absolutely sure that you will abide by the oath you took.
“You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own.
“So, I wish you well and advise that you close your ears and shut your eyes, because no matter what you do, political parties will have a go at you and claim you have done something wrong. That is the nature of Nigerians.
“I hope and pray you take it in good faith because our democracy depends on all of you,” he noted.
