The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general elections will count, pledging that the electoral body under his leadership remains committed to conducting credible, transparent and peaceful polls.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
He was accompanied by a delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and his technical aides.
During the visit, the INEC chairman paid glowing tribute to Abdulsalami, describing him as a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey whose leadership laid the foundation for the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
According to Amupitan, the former military ruler remains a strong pillar of support for the electoral commission and the nation’s democratic institutions.
He described Abdulsalami as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” noting that his successful transition programme marked a turning point in the nation’s political history.
The INEC chairman added that the commission regarded the elder statesman “not merely as a statesman but as a pillar of support for INEC.”
Amupitan also commended Abdulsalami’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, saying the committee’s Peace Accord initiative has continued to promote peaceful elections and responsible political conduct.
He described the Peace Accord as “a moralising influence on Nigeria’s political ecosystem.”
According to the electoral commission, Amupitan noted that the initiative has provided political parties and candidates with an opportunity to commit themselves to peaceful campaigns and non-violent elections, thereby strengthening **”the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.”
Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation” for Abdulsalami’s enduring contributions to peaceful coexistence, democratic governance and credible elections, the INEC chairman also congratulated the former Head of State on his recent 84th birthday.
Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s determination to preserve the integrity of the electoral process despite the challenges associated with election management.
He assured Nigerians that INEC would continue to uphold the sanctity of the ballot and ensure that election outcomes reflect the genuine choices of voters.
“The Commission’s determination under my leadership was to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes would be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” he said, describing this as “the core assurance INEC owed the electorate.”
The INEC chairman also officially confirmed the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, elections into the offices of the President and members of the National Assembly will be conducted on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Responding, Abdulsalami called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Independent National Electoral Commission as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, stressing the need for all stakeholders to work together to sustain the country’s democratic progress.
(Ripples)