Your Votes Will Count, INEC Chairman Assures Nigerians as Abdulsalami Urges Support for Commission

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 General Election will count, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible polls.

Prof. Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

The INEC Chairman said the Commission would remain steadfast in ensuring that the will of the Nigerian people prevails at the polls, despite any pressures it may face. He stressed that Nigerians should have confidence that their votes would be accurately counted and reflected in election results.

He also announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Describing General Abdulsalami as a father of Nigeria’s democracy, Prof. Amupitan commended his contributions to democratic governance, particularly through the National Peace Committee, whose Peace Accord initiative has continued to promote peaceful elections and political stability.

In his response, General Abdulsalami praised the leadership of INEC and acknowledged the enormous responsibility of managing elections in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians, political parties and other stakeholders to support the Commission, noting that the success of the country’s democracy depends on public confidence in the electoral process.

The former Head of State also expressed confidence in Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, encouraging him to remain impartial and committed to delivering credible elections while assuring the Commission of his continued support and prayers.

Earlier, the INEC Chairman met with staff at the Commission’s Niger State office, where he charged electoral officials to uphold integrity and professionalism, describing them as the frontline ambassadors of INEC. He also disclosed that the Commission was reviewing staff welfare packages as part of efforts to improve working conditions and boost performance ahead of the 2027 elections.