The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to conduct the 2027 General Election in a free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive manner, leveraging technology to strengthen the process.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the pledge on Thursday in Lagos during the Commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat, which ran from January 9–10. He assured Nigerians that misconduct in any form would not be tolerated.
“We gather not merely as administrators but as custodians of the will of the Nigerian people. This retreat bridges our institutional experience with the innovative demands of a rapidly evolving electoral landscape,” Amupitan said.
The INEC boss commended staff for their performance during the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, describing it as a defining moment early in his tenure. He noted that the road to 2027 will pass through key milestones, including the February 2026 FCT Area Council elections and off-cycle governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states.
“These upcoming elections are not routine; they are testing grounds for our readiness and provide opportunities to refine processes, ensuring all technical and logistical gears are perfectly oiled ahead of the national exercise in 2027,” he said.
Amupitan highlighted five non-negotiable pillars guiding INEC: free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. He emphasized the critical role of first-time young voters, who he said demand real-time transparency and are unlikely to tolerate opaque processes.
“Millions of young citizens will be voting for the first time. They are digital natives who expect openness. It is our responsibility to prove that INEC can be trusted,” he added.
On legal adherence, the INEC chairman stressed that “the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system,” affirming that all activities will strictly follow statutory frameworks.
The retreat, Amupitan said, will cover 17 thematic areas, including logistics, ad-hoc staff deployment, transportation, voter registration, election security, and political party management. “We must ensure that Continuous Voter Registration and revalidation exercises are beyond reproach, while also promoting internal democracy and transparency in party finances,” he stated.
Welcoming participants, Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami, described the retreat as a critical milestone in enhancing the Commission’s leadership capacity and operational preparedness. He noted that public expectations of the electoral process are higher than ever and urged officials to rise to the challenge.
“The retreat strengthens institutional understanding, encourages peer engagement, and fosters cohesion across the Commission. Early planning and strategic coordination are essential as we advance towards the 2027 General Election,” Salami added.
Dip Connect Online News reports that the retreat aims to position INEC as a technologically savvy and transparent electoral body, ready to meet the demands of a modern, digitally connected electorate.
Elijah Adeyemi
