Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and ensure fairness to all political parties as preparations intensify for the Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
Abubakar made the call on Friday while receiving the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), and National Commissioners during a courtesy visit to his residence in Minna, Niger State.
The visit formed part of the commission’s consultations with key national stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming elections. The INEC delegation also visited former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), at his Minna residence.
Expressing confidence in the leadership of the electoral commission, Abubakar described the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most sensitive and demanding in Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that the commission must remain above partisan interests despite inevitable political criticism.
“You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own,” Abubakar said.
The former Head of State acknowledged that election management in Nigeria is often accompanied by accusations of bias from losing political parties, but urged the commission to remain steadfast and faithful to its constitutional responsibilities.
“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,” he said.
He advised the INEC Chairman and his team to ignore undue pressure and remain guided by the oath of office.
“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. I hope you take it in good faith because our democracy depends on all of you,” he added.
Abubakar also pledged the continued support of the National Peace Committee, disclosing that the committee would meet in Abuja on July 29 ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord for the Osun governorship election scheduled for July 30 in Osogbo.
He described the August 15 Osun governorship election as a critical rehearsal for the 2027 general elections and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting peaceful, transparent and credible elections nationwide.
Responding, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission remained committed to conducting credible elections in which every lawful vote would count.
He explained that the visit was intended to appreciate the elder statesmen for their longstanding contributions to democracy, national stability and peacebuilding, while also seeking their continued support and prayers.
Amupitan commended Abubakar’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, describing the Peace Accord initiative as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“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,” he said.
The INEC Chairman confirmed that the Osun State governorship election will hold on August 15, while the Peace Accord signing ceremony is scheduled for July 30 in Osogbo.
He also reaffirmed that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on January 16, 2027, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027.
While assuring Nigerians of the commission’s resolve to deploy technology and conduct inclusive elections, Amupitan lamented the operational challenges posed by last-minute court orders and pre-election litigation.
“Despite these issues and the trust deficiency we currently face, we continue to do our best for a successful election,” he said.
He disclosed that recent court orders directing the inclusion of additional political parties after ballot papers had already been printed for the Osun election would likely necessitate fresh printing, describing such developments as avoidable logistical setbacks.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Amupitan said the commission sought to benefit from the wealth of experience of the two former Heads of State, adding that both elder statesmen expressed confidence in INEC’s preparations and pledged their continued support.
He also urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, reminding prospective voters that the third phase of the exercise will close on Sunday, July 26.
