2027: INEC Chair Assures Nigerians Votes Will Count, Seeks Confidence

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 General Election will count, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible, free and fair elections.

The assurance came during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), at his residence in Minna, Niger State, where the elder statesman urged Nigerians to support the electoral body as preparations for the next general election gather momentum.

Amupitan, who led a delegation of National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides on the visit, described Abdulsalami as one of the architects of Nigeria’s democratic journey whose contributions continue to strengthen the country’s electoral process.

He praised the former Head of State’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, noting that the Peace Accord initiative had over the years encouraged political actors to embrace peaceful campaigns and non-violent elections.

According to the INEC chairman, the visit was to appreciate Abdulsalami’s enduring commitment to democracy, peaceful coexistence and credible elections, as well as to congratulate him on his recent 84th birthday.

Amupitan said the Commission remained focused on protecting the integrity of the electoral process despite the pressures associated with election management.

He assured Nigerians that the Commission would ensure the outcome of future elections reflected the genuine choices made by voters.

“Our determination is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes will be counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” he said.

The INEC chairman also confirmed the timetable for the 2027 General Election, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would follow on February 6, 2027.

Responding, Abdulsalami described the leadership of INEC as one of the most challenging public responsibilities in the country because of the competing interests and expectations surrounding elections.

He urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to rally behind the Commission, stressing that credible elections require not only an independent electoral body but also the cooperation and confidence of citizens.

The former Head of State expressed confidence in Amupitan’s ability to lead the Commission successfully and encouraged him to remain impartial and steadfast in carrying out his responsibilities.

He also pledged his continued support and prayers for the Commission as it prepares for the 2027 polls.

Amupitan thanked Abdulsalami for his longstanding support for INEC and reiterated that the Commission would spare no effort in delivering elections that meet the expectations of Nigerians.

Earlier during his visit to Niger State, the INEC chairman met with staff of the Commission’s state office, where he again emphasised that every vote must count.

He described electoral officials as the Commission’s frontline representatives and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, saying public trust in elections largely depends on their conduct.

Amupitan also disclosed that INEC was reviewing staff welfare packages after observing that existing conditions of service compared unfavourably with those of many other public institutions.

He said improving staff welfare remained part of the Commission’s efforts to motivate personnel and strengthen service delivery ahead of future elections.