The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Peace Committee (NPC) and other key stakeholders to intensify efforts at rebuilding public confidence and promoting peaceful participation in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Monday during a Stakeholder Briefing and Presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the NPC in Abuja.
The event, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies, and representatives of civil society organisations, reflecting a broad-based commitment to peaceful and credible elections. Former Head of State and Chairman of the NPC, Abdulsalami Abubakar, was represented by the Committee’s Convener, Matthew Hassan Kukah.
In his remarks, Prof. Amupitan underscored the urgency of restoring public confidence in the electoral system, describing the prevailing trust deficit as a major concern for the Commission.
He noted that rebuilding trust is critical to encouraging voter participation, stressing that declining turnout could undermine democratic legitimacy. According to him, the Commission is determined to ensure that future elections are not only legal but also widely accepted.
“The trust deficit is palpable across the country. If voters do not participate, it affects the legitimacy of whoever emerges. It is in everyone’s interest to ensure broad participation,” he said.
The INEC Chairman revealed that members of the Commission, senior management staff and directors attended the engagement, signalling the importance attached to stakeholder collaboration and democratic consolidation.
He described Nigeria’s electoral environment as complex and highly competitive, emphasising that transparency must remain the cornerstone of electoral processes.
“We want a process so transparent that whoever emerges will have both legality and legitimacy. INEC remains open to constructive criticism and scrutiny,” he stated.
Prof. Amupitan stressed that credible elections require collective responsibility. He urged political parties to improve internal discipline, deepen voter mobilisation and promote civic education as part of efforts to reverse declining voter turnout.
He also disclosed that the Commission has introduced additional safeguards to enhance results management and transparency. While operational details were not made public, he noted that the measures had been tested in recent elections.
On the challenge of misinformation, the INEC Chairman warned that false narratives during elections could undermine public confidence and heighten tensions. He said the Commission continues to collaborate with security agencies and relevant institutions to counter disinformation and ensure factual reporting.
Addressing electoral offences, especially vote trading, he reiterated that such practices remain criminal under Nigerian law and must be prosecuted. He urged law enforcement agencies to conclude investigations promptly and pursue offenders.
Prof. Amupitan further highlighted ongoing efforts to sanitise the voter register, acknowledging concerns about duplication and outdated records. He said ensuring an authentic and credible register remains fundamental to free and fair elections.
Looking ahead, he described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States as critical milestones in preparations for 2027. According to him, INEC is considering additional technological testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units, to strengthen operational readiness.
He also appealed for the timely release of election funds in line with amended legal provisions, stressing that early funding is vital for procurement, logistics and planning.
In his welcome address, delivered on his behalf, Abdulsalami reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment to providing a neutral platform for dialogue, mediation and confidence-building among political actors.
He noted that since 2015, the Peace Accord has played a stabilising role in Nigeria’s electoral process. The newly introduced Annotated Peace Accord, he said, provides clearer guidance and preventive mechanisms to support peaceful elections.
“The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests with all of us,” he said, urging political parties, institutions and citizens to act responsibly and promote peace.
The stakeholder engagement formed part of ongoing consultations by INEC aimed at strengthening collaboration, ensuring peaceful conduct and deepening public confidence as preparations gradually intensify toward the 2027 General Election.
