Eshioromeh Sebastian
Acknowledging a widespread crisis of
f confidence, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan has appealed to the National Peace Committee to help rebuild public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholder briefing in Abuja on Monday, Prof. Amupitan emphasised that the success of the 2027 elections hinges not only on the Commission’s administrative capabilities but also on a collective national effort to restore faith in the democratic process.
The event, organised by the NPC at the Abuja Continental Hotel, marked the presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord and brought together a cross-section of Nigeria’s political and institutional leadership, including leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies, and representatives of civil society organisations.
In his keynote remarks, the INEC Chairman did not shy away from addressing the widespread skepticism that has trailed recent electoral cycles. He stressed that restoring voter confidence is a prerequisite for improving voter turnout and ensuring that those elected enjoy not just legal authority, but genuine legitimacy.
“For us, we appeal to the National Peace Committee to help us in the area of building trust,” Prof. Amupitan stated. “The trust deficit is such that anywhere you go, it is palpable. If voters will not participate, then whoever emerges… it is also in our own interest that everybody continues to participate. We’ll get it right one day.”
He argued that democratic consolidation in Nigeria’s diverse and highly competitive environment must be anchored on both legality and legitimacy. “Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,” he added, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to listening to constructive feedback from all quarters.
Prof. Amupitan noted that the Commission’s dedication to stakeholder engagement was evidenced by the presence of virtually all National Commissioners and senior management staff at the briefing.
He used the opportunity to outline ongoing measures aimed at enhancing the credibility of the electoral process.
While stopping short of revealing specific operational details, he disclosed that additional safeguards have been introduced in results management to ensure consistency and accuracy, measures he said had been tested in recent electoral exercises.
The Chairman also addressed the persistent threat of misinformation and disinformation, warning that false narratives undermine public confidence and heighten political tensions. He assured that INEC is collaborating with security agencies to counter fake news and promote factual reporting.
On the integrity of the voter register, he stated that the Commission is prioritizing its continuous sanitization to eliminate duplications and outdated records, describing a credible register as foundational to any credible election.
Emphasizing that INEC cannot secure credible elections alone, Prof. Amupitan called on political parties to strengthen internal discipline and enhance voter mobilisation efforts. He expressed concern over declining voter turnout, noting that sustained civic engagement is vital for democratic health.
He also reiterated that electoral offences, particularly vote trading, remain criminal acts under Nigerian law and urged law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations and prosecutions to serve as a deterrent.
Looking ahead, the INEC Chairman described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States as critical milestones on the path to 2027.
He disclosed that the Commission is considering additional technology testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units, to further strengthen operational preparedness.
He also appealed for the timely release of election funds, in line with the amended legal framework, warning that delays in resource allocation could jeopardize procurement, logistics, and planning.
In his welcome address, delivered on his behalf, former Head of State and Chairman of the NPC, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), GCFR, reaffirmed the Committee’s dedication to providing a neutral platform for dialogue and mediation.
Represented by the Convener of the Committee, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, Gen. Abubakar noted that since 2015, the Peace Accord has served as a vital stabilising instrument in Nigeria’s electoral process.
He described the newly presented Annotated Peace Accord as an enhanced framework designed to provide greater clarity and preventive engagement among stakeholders.
He called for sustained collaboration, restraint, and responsible conduct from all political actors and institutions.
The stakeholder briefing is part of INEC’s ongoing series of engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation and consolidating public confidence as the nation gradually moves toward the 2027 General Election.
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