2027: ‘Your votes will count’ – INEC, Amupitan to Nigerians

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has assured Nigerians that their votes will be counted in the upcoming elections. This reassurance comes as former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, NPC, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), urged Nigerians to support the Commission in preparation for the 2027 General Election.

The assurance was provided by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, during a courtesy visit to General Abubakar at his residence in Minna, Niger State, on Friday, July 24, 2026. He was accompanied by a delegation that included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Directors, and Technical Aides of the Chairman.

In his address, Prof. Amupitan referred to General Abubakar as the father of democracy in Nigeria, highlighting that his transition to civilian rule in 1999 was a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey. He emphasized that the Commission views the former Head of State not only as a statesman but also as a vital supporter of INEC.

The INEC Chairman praised General Abubakar’s contributions as Chairman of the National Peace Committee, characterizing his Peace Accord initiative as a significant moral influence on Nigeria’s political landscape. He noted that this initiative has, over the years, offered political actors a platform to commit to non-violence, thereby reinforcing the sovereignty of the Nigerian people’s will. Prof. Amupitan described the visit as a pilgrimage of gratitude for General Abubakar’s efforts towards fostering peaceful coexistence, ensuring peaceful elections, and promoting democratic stability in the country. He also extended his congratulations to him on the occasion of his recent 84th birthday anniversary.

Prof. Amupitan assured the former Head of State that despite the challenges facing the Commission, INEC remains dedicated to ensuring that the will of the Nigerian people, as expressed during the elections, will prevail.

He stated that under his leadership, the Commission is determined to encourage ordinary Nigerians to participate in the voting process, confident that their votes will be accurately counted and reflected in the outcomes of the election.

The INEC Chairman took the opportunity to officially announce that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will occur on 6 February 2027.

In response, General Abubakar praised the leadership of the Commission, characterizing the role of INEC Chairman as one of the most challenging positions in the nation, due to the varied expectations of political actors, irrespective of the direction the Commission may choose to pursue.

He urged Nigerians to extend their support to the Commission and its leadership, emphasizing that the success of the country’s democracy relies on the cooperation and trust that the citizenry and political stakeholders provide to INEC.

General Abubakar expressed his confidence in Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, encouraging him to maintain steadfastness and impartiality in fulfilling his responsibilities, and assured the Commission of his ongoing support and prayers in anticipation of the 2027 General Election.

The INEC Chairman expressed gratitude to General Abubakar for his unwavering goodwill towards the Commission and reaffirmed that INEC would make every effort to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

Earlier that day, the INEC Chairman conducted an interactive session with the staff at the Commission’s Niger State office, where he reiterated his commitment to the Nigerian populace, informing the personnel that their diligence and integrity in the field are crucial for ensuring that every vote cast is counted.

He referred to the staff as the grassroots foot soldiers of the Commission and urged Electoral Officers and other field officials to view themselves as ambassadors of INEC, highlighting that public trust in the electoral process is significantly influenced by their behavior at the point of service.
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Amupitan also used the visit to the Niger State office to restate the Commission’s commitment to improving staff welfare, disclosing that a review of welfare packages was underway following his observation that conditions met on assumption of office were among the poorest compared to other public institutions.