INEC Chairman assures Nigerians every vote will count in 2027 general election

INEC Chairman assures Nigerians every vote will count in 2027 general election

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general election will count, reaffirming the electoral body’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections.

Amupitan gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State, where he sought the elder statesman’s continued support for INEC’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the next general election.

The INEC chairman described Abdulsalami as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” saying his successful transition from military to civilian rule in 1999 laid the foundation for the country’s Fourth Republic and remains one of the most significant milestones in Nigeria’s democratic history.

According to Amupitan, Abdulsalami has continued to play a vital role in promoting peaceful elections through the National Peace Committee, whose Peace Accord initiative has encouraged political parties, candidates and supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, reject violence and respect democratic principles.

He said INEC views the former military leader as a dependable pillar of support whose guidance and interventions have contributed to electoral stability and democratic consolidation.

Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation,” Amupitan said it was meant to honour Abdulsalami’s decades of service to the nation and acknowledge his continued commitment to peace, national unity and democratic governance.

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He also congratulated the former Head of State on his recent 84th birthday, describing him as a statesman whose leadership continues to inspire confidence across the country.

Addressing concerns over the credibility of future elections, the INEC chairman assured Nigerians that the commission remains focused on protecting the integrity of the electoral process despite the challenges associated with conducting nationwide elections.

“The commission’s determination under my leadership is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians go out to vote with confidence that their votes will be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” Amupitan said.

He stressed that guaranteeing the sanctity of every valid vote remains one of INEC’s core constitutional responsibilities and pledged that the commission would continue implementing measures aimed at improving transparency, professionalism and public confidence in the electoral system.

Amupitan also reaffirmed the commission’s timetable for the 2027 general election, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

He urged eligible Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process, noting that democracy can only thrive when citizens exercise their voting rights and have confidence that their choices will be respected.

The INEC chairman further called on political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media and other stakeholders to work together in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections across the country.

He said sustained collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen public trust in the electoral process and reduce tensions before, during and after the polls.

Responding, Abdulsalami commended the INEC chairman for the visit and acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed on the electoral commission in delivering credible elections.

The former Head of State urged Nigerians to support INEC in its preparations for the 2027 general election, stressing that credible elections remain the cornerstone of democracy and national stability.

He also appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and place the nation’s interest above partisan considerations, noting that violence and electoral malpractice undermine democratic development.

The renewed assurance by the INEC chairman comes at a time when public interest in the credibility of the 2027 elections continues to grow, with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency, accountability and stronger safeguards to ensure election results accurately reflect the will of the people.

Political observers say INEC’s commitment to protecting the value of every vote will be closely monitored as preparations for the country’s next general election gather momentum.

INEC Chairman assures Nigerians every vote will count in 2027 general election