The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 General Election, declaring that its only interest is to uphold the sovereign will of Nigerians.
Amupitan stated this when he led a delegation of National Commissioners and other senior officials of the commission on a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, as part of activities ahead of INEC’s interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment for the 2027 elections at the zonal level.
The visit formed part of the commission’s ongoing stakeholder engagement as it intensifies preparations for the general election, with the INEC Chairman describing traditional institutions as critical stakeholders because of their influence and grassroots reach.
According to Amupitan, elections are fundamentally about the social contract between citizens and those entrusted with public office, making public trust central to the success of democracy.
He said INEC had commenced preparations early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria, noting that the commission had moved away from last-minute preparations.
The INEC Chairman said the commission was already testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems well ahead of the 2027 polls to ensure greater preparedness.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency, Amupitan said, “We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria.”
He also appealed to the Emir to use his influence to counsel political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence and hate-driven campaigns, stressing that elections should not be treated as “do-or-die affairs” but as a peaceful expression of citizens’ choices.
Amupitan particularly urged traditional rulers to discourage young people from allowing themselves to be recruited for political violence, while calling on eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process, including the forthcoming collection of their Permanent Voter Cards.
He stressed that an informed and engaged electorate remained essential to sustaining a vibrant democracy.
Responding, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended Amupitan for leading the INEC delegation to the palace and providing updates on the commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
Bamalli said the engagement had helped bring residents of the emirate up to date with INEC’s plans and the election timetable.
The traditional ruler urged the commission to ensure that sensitive election materials and equipment were delivered to polling locations on time, while also stressing the need for all devices to be thoroughly tested before deployment.
He identified security, timely dissemination of electoral information and prompt announcement of results as important factors in strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
The Emir also urged political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly during the campaign period, particularly by avoiding hate speech and other actions capable of undermining national unity.
