The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has commenced early preparations for the 2027 general elections, with a focus on strengthening its systems and engaging key stakeholders ahead of the polls.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, as part of activities ahead of the Commission’s zonal-level readiness assessment and interaction with its staff.
Amupitan said the Commission was deliberately moving away from last-minute preparations by testing, auditing and improving its operational processes well ahead of the elections.
He described traditional institutions as critical stakeholders in the electoral process, citing their grassroots influence and ability to engage communities across the country.
The INEC chairman also stressed the importance of public trust in the electoral process, noting that elections determine the relationship between citizens and those entrusted with public office.
According to him, the Commission’s preparations were being undertaken early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria.
Amupitan also reiterated INEC’s commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency, insisting that the Commission’s primary responsibility was to protect the will of Nigerian voters.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” he said.
The INEC chairman was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, senior aides and directors of the Commission during the visit.
The engagement with the Emir forms part of INEC’s broader stakeholder consultations as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
