INEC Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support For Peace, Voter Turnout In 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the support of traditional rulers to promote peace and mobilise citizens for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, at Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island.

The visit marked the end of the commission’s South-West Zonal Readiness Assessment and Staff Interactive Session.

Amupitan formally enlisted the monarch and the Lagos Traditional Council as partners in promoting peaceful elections and stronger citizen participation.

“We are here today to formally enlist Your Royal Majesty and the Lagos Traditional Council as powerful partners in keeping the peace and safeguarding our democracy,” he said.

The INEC chairman stressed that elections should promote free choice rather than conflict and violence.

He also noted that technology alone could not guarantee a credible electoral process. According to him, active citizen participation and community support remain equally important.

“We humbly request your royal voice to help us mobilise the good people of Lagos,” Amupitan said.

He urged the monarch to encourage residents to participate fully in the electoral process and turn out in large numbers when voting begins.

Amupitan said the National Register of Voters was approaching 100 million. He added that managing such a large electoral population would require cooperation across the country.

The INEC chairman described traditional institutions as enduring pillars of Nigerian communities.

“Political parties and electoral commissions come and go, but the traditional institution remains the permanent anchor of our communities,” he said.

He also urged Oba Akiolu to use his influence to caution politicians against divisive campaigns as the 2027 election approaches.

Amupitan called for issue-based campaigns, urging politicians to debate policies rather than attack personalities.

He placed three requests before the monarch. These included royal support for INEC officials and ad-hoc personnel.

He also sought the monarch’s help in encouraging residents to complete voter registration and collect their Permanent Voter Cards.

The commission further requested continued advocacy for peace among community leaders, youth groups, market associations and political actors.

Responding, Oba Akiolu welcomed the appeal and urged politicians to focus on empowering citizens rather than offering short-term political patronage.

“Politicians must move away from the culture of short-term patronage and focus on genuine capacity building,” the monarch said.

He also called for issue-based campaigns devoid of hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric.

The monarch urged traditional rulers to promote civic participation and guide young people toward responsible engagement in the democratic process.

“As Royal Fathers, it is our solemn duty to guide our communities and inspire citizens to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic franchise,” he said.

Oba Akiolu also charged INEC’s leadership to remain impartial and committed to its constitutional responsibilities.

“I appeal to the Chairman and National Commissioners to remain unwavering, honest, and steadfast in your sacred trust,” he said.

He further called on the Federal Government to provide timely funding for the 2027 elections and equip INEC adequately to perform its duties.