The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general elections will count, reaffirming the electoral body’s commitment to delivering a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State. The visit formed part of the commission’s consultations with key national stakeholders ahead of the next general elections.
The INEC chairman led a high-powered delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors, and technical aides. During the visit, he paid tribute to Abdulsalami, describing him as the father of democracy in Nigeria for overseeing the country’s successful transition from military rule to civilian governance in 1999.
Amupitan also praised the former Head of State for his leadership of the National Peace Committee, noting that the committee’s Peace Accord initiative has continued to play a vital role in promoting peaceful elections and encouraging political actors to embrace non-violence.
According to him, the committee has helped strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture by providing a platform through which political parties and candidates commit themselves to peaceful conduct before, during, and after elections.
Describing the visit as a pilgrimage of appreciation, the INEC chairman commended Abdulsalami’s enduring contributions to democratic stability, peaceful coexistence, and electoral integrity. He also congratulated the elder statesman on his recent 84th birthday anniversary.
Amupitan emphasized that despite the challenges confronting the electoral commission, INEC remains focused on safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
He assured Nigerians that under his leadership, the commission would ensure that the will of the people, as expressed through the ballot box, is respected.
The Commission’s determination under my leadership is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians go out to vote with confidence that their votes will be counted and reflected in the final election results. That is the core assurance INEC owes every voter,” he said.
The INEC chairman also reaffirmed the timetable for the 2027 general elections, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Responding, General Abdulsalami Abubakar urged Nigerians to continue supporting INEC in its efforts to conduct credible elections, stressing that the success of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the collective commitment of citizens, political parties, and other stakeholders to peaceful and transparent electoral processes.
The assurance from the electoral umpire comes as political activities continue to gather momentum across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections. With preparations underway, stakeholders have repeatedly called on INEC to build public confidence by ensuring transparency, neutrality, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act.
Political analysts believe that Amupitan’s remarks are aimed at reassuring Nigerians that the commission is committed to protecting the sanctity of the ballot and strengthening confidence in the country’s democratic process as preparations intensify for another crucial electoral cycle.
