Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is determined to make the 2027 General Election a turning point for Nigeria’s democracy and a model for election management in Africa.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated this on Friday in Lagos while speaking at the commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat for its leadership and senior officials.
He said the commission was under intense public scrutiny and must rise to the challenge of delivering elections that are free, fair, transparent and credible.
According to Amupitan, the 2027 polls must go beyond meeting basic expectations and instead set a new standard, driven by technology and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“It must be a continental standard, a proof-of-concept that demonstrates that INEC can indeed conduct a world-class, technologically-driven, and transparent election that is beyond reproach. “Our mandate, which we should pursue rigorously, is built on five non-negotiable pillars.
He noted that millions of young Nigerians would be voting for the first time in 2027, describing them as digitally aware citizens who demand openness and accountability in real time.
The INEC chairman assured staff that their welfare would be prioritized, while warning that any form of misconduct would not be tolerated. He stressed that the rule of law would guide all electoral processes under his leadership.
Amupitan also pointed out that the commission would conduct several important elections before 2027, including the FCT Area Council polls in February 2026 and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, which he described as critical tests of INEC’s readiness.
The retreat, attended by commissioners, resident electoral commissioners and other top officials from across the country, is expected to focus on key areas such as logistics, voter registration, election security and inter-agency collaboration, as part of efforts to strengthen the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NAN
