“2027 election must be free and fair; eyes of entire continent are upon us” – INEC Chairman

Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has reaffirmed the commission’s preparedness to deliver a credible and transparent election in the 2027 general polls.

Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday in Lagos during INEC’s Induction and Strategic Retreat for national commissioners, the commission’s secretary, resident electoral commissioners, administrative secretaries and directors.

He said the responsibility before the electoral body was enormous, noting that public attention would be intense throughout the process.

“The eyes of over 200 million Nigerians and the entire continent are upon us. The work ahead is demanding, the hours will be long and the scrutiny will be intense,” he said.

According to the INEC chairman, the 2027 general election must be conducted to the highest standards and should mark a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey.

“The 2027 general election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s history. But we must even aim higher,” Amupitan stated.

He urged staff to see the task beyond organising elections, stressing the need to build a globally respected electoral institution.

“I want us to build an institution that is globally recognised, let it be that under our watch, INEC became the best election management body in Africa – a beacon of integrity, a model of technological efficiency and a fortress of democratic values,” he said.

Amupitan further charged INEC officials to uphold discipline and professionalism, warning that misconduct would not be tolerated.

“Our success in 2027 must be more than a national victory. It must be a continental standard, a proof-of-concept that demonstrates that INEC can indeed conduct a world-class technology-driven and transparent election that is beyond reproach,” he added.

He concluded by stressing that there would be zero tolerance for wrongdoing, whether by omission or commission, as the commission works towards delivering credible elections.