The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general elections will count, pledging that the electoral body will conduct credible polls that reflect the will of the people.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
He said restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process remained a top priority of the commission, stressing that his administration would ensure that election outcomes genuinely reflected the choices made by voters.
“The Commission’s determination under my leadership is to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes will be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” Amupitan said.
According to him, ensuring that votes count remains the commission’s foremost obligation to the electorate despite the challenges associated with conducting elections in the country.
The INEC chairman also announced the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
He disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections had been scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Amupitan, who was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides, described the visit as a “pilgrimage of appreciation.”
He praised Abdulsalami for his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing the former Head of State as “the father of democracy in Nigeria” for overseeing the country’s transition from military to civilian rule in 1999.
The INEC chairman also commended Abdulsalami’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, saying its Peace Accord initiative had continued to encourage political actors to embrace peaceful campaigns and non-violence during elections.
According to him, the committee has played a significant role in promoting credible elections and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He also congratulated the former military ruler on his recent 84th birthday, describing him as a pillar of support for the electoral commission and a statesman committed to democratic stability and peaceful coexistence.
Responding, Abdulsalami urged Nigerians to support the Independent National Electoral Commission as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He stressed the need for all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups and the electorate, to work together to ensure peaceful, credible and transparent elections across the country.
FOLLOW US
FOR MORE HERE
