By Nkechi Eze
In a candid acknowledgement of the challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral system, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has called on the media to play a pivotal role in addressing what he described as a growing “trust deficit” between the commission and the Nigerian public.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Executive Committee of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, Professor Amupitan noted that rebuilding confidence in the electoral process remains one of his top priorities since assuming office in late 2025. The meeting marked his first formal engagement with the specialized media group since succeeding Mahmood Yakubu as head of the commission.
The INEC chairman commended journalists covering the commission for their professionalism and sustained commitment, while stressing the need for deeper collaboration in communicating the transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral processes to citizens across the country.
He admitted that skepticism among the electorate is a reality the commission must confront, urging the media to help reshape public perception by amplifying accurate information and fostering greater understanding of electoral procedures among Nigeria’s over 200 million people.
Leading the delegation, Chairman of the INEC Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, applauded Professor Amupitan’s leadership style, describing his stewardship of the commission as transparent and reassuring. He emphasized that elections in Nigeria remain a complex logistical undertaking that requires synergy among all stakeholders, particularly the media, to ensure credibility and success.
Ojumu was accompanied by Assistant Secretary John Onah and Welfare Director Chux Ukwuatu, both of whom reaffirmed the Press Corps’ commitment to constructive engagement with the commission.
The engagement comes at a critical period as INEC intensifies preparations for a demanding electoral calendar under the provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026. The commission has already outlined a comprehensive roadmap leading up to the 2027 general elections, which are expected to test both its operational capacity and public confidence.
According to the schedule, Nigerians will head to the polls on January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
Ahead of these nationwide polls, INEC is set to conduct key off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State on June 20, 2026, and Osun State on August 8, 2026. These elections are widely regarded as critical benchmarks that will gauge the commission’s readiness for the general elections.
Professor Amupitan reiterated his commitment to delivering elections that are free, fair, and inclusive, assuring Nigerians that the commission remains steadfast in its resolve to strengthen electoral integrity and deepen democratic consolidation.
As the country approaches another crucial electoral cycle, the call for stronger media collaboration underscores the central role of information in restoring trust and reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
