Against the backdrop of growing public scrutiny and rising technological expectations, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has assured Nigerians that the 2027 General Election will reflect the true will of the people.
Addressing participants at the Commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat in Lagos on Thursday, Amupitan struck a firm tone, stressing that the electoral umpire would leave no room for misconduct or compromise. The retreat, scheduled for January 9–10, brought together INEC leadership and senior officials to align strategies ahead of the next electoral cycle.
According to the INEC chairman, the Commission is already repositioning itself to meet the demands of a rapidly changing electoral environment, where transparency, accountability and technology are no longer optional but essential. He noted that Nigerians’ expectations of the electoral process have evolved, requiring INEC to stay ahead through innovation and strict adherence to ethical standards.
“We gather here today not merely as electoral administrators and leaders, but as the custodians of the will of the Nigerian people,” Amupitan told participants, underscoring the weight of responsibility placed on the Commission.
He explained that preparations for 2027 would prioritise credible processes, the effective deployment of technology and the enforcement of internal discipline, warning that any form of malpractice would attract severe consequences. The chairman added that a credible election is fundamental to national stability and democratic growth.
Amupitan urged INEC officials to see their roles as a national duty rather than routine public service, calling for professionalism, integrity and teamwork at all levels of the Commission. He said the retreat was designed to strengthen internal capacity and reinforce a shared commitment to delivering elections that Nigerians can trust.
With the 2027 polls drawing closer, the INEC boss reaffirmed that the Commission remains determined to conduct elections that are free, fair, transparent and reflective of the people’s choice, assuring citizens that their votes will count.
