The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated this at the opening of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat for newly appointed Chairman, National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), held in Lagos.
Prof. Amupitan said the Commission is strengthening its leadership capacity, operational systems and institutional coherence in response to rising public expectations of the electoral process. He emphasised that early planning, strategic coordination and strict adherence to the rule of law are critical to enhancing the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
While describing the 2027 General Election as INEC’s ultimate objective, the Chairman noted that the Commission must first successfully conduct key electoral activities, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections scheduled for February 2026 and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
According to him, these elections will serve as testing grounds for improvements in voter register management, logistics and the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
He outlined five non-negotiable pillars guiding INEC’s mandate: freedom from interference, fairness to all political parties and candidates, credibility locally and internationally, transparency at all stages of the electoral process, and inclusivity to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised.
Prof. Amupitan also drew attention to the growing number of young, first-time voters ahead of 2027, describing them as digitally savvy and demanding real-time transparency. He said earning their trust requires inclusive and technologically robust systems, adding that credibility achieved in 2027 would strengthen long-term confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
On the legal framework, the INEC Chairman assured that the Commission would continue to operate strictly within the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and any subsequent amendments. He stressed that respect for the rule of law remains fundamental under his leadership, warning that any compromise of established values and procedures would attract sanctions.
He further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to staff welfare, noting that while excellence would be demanded, INEC would continue to provide the tools and enabling environment needed for optimal performance. He urged the leadership to break down institutional silos, promote open communication and work collectively to restore and sustain public trust in the electoral process.
Earlier, the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami, said the retreat provides a platform for reflection, strategic alignment and institutional consolidation at a time of heightened public expectations. He emphasised that early planning, coordination and cohesion are indispensable as the Commission moves towards the 2027 General Election.
Prof. Salami congratulated the newly appointed Chairman, National Commissioners and RECs, urging participants to engage actively in discussions aimed at building an electoral system that inspires confidence and upholds Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
Also speaking, the Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs. Helen Ajayi, said the retreat is designed to induct new Commission members into INEC’s institutional framework, familiarise them with the legal and administrative architecture of elections, and provide a platform for experience sharing among electoral policy implementers at the state level.