2027 Elections: INEC Has No Preferred Candidates or Parties, Amupitan Declares
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that INEC has no preferred candidates or political parties.
Amupitan gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of the Commission’s stakeholder engagement and preparations for its zonal staff interactive meeting and electoral readiness assessment.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” he declared.
The INEC Chairman said the Commission had commenced preparations early, considering the size and complexity of conducting elections in Nigeria.
He explained that INEC was moving away from last-minute preparations by testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems well ahead of the 2027 polls
Amupitan described traditional institutions as important stakeholders in the electoral process, citing their influence and grassroots reach in promoting peaceful and credible elections.
He appealed to the Emir to use his influence to discourage political violence, hate speech and inflammatory campaigns, stressing that elections should not be treated as do-or-die affairs.
The INEC Chairman particularly urged traditional rulers to caution young people against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to perpetrate electoral violence.
He also encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, including the forthcoming collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Responding, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended the INEC Chairman for the visit and the Commission’s early preparations for the elections.
The Emir urged INEC to ensure the timely delivery of sensitive electoral materials and equipment, stressing that all technological devices must be thoroughly tested before deployment to polling units.
He also emphasised the importance of adequate security, timely dissemination of electoral information and prompt announcement of results to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Bamalli further called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns and avoid hate speech or activities capable of threatening national unity.
The visit was attended by INEC National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, directors of the Commission and other senior officials.
