The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that it maintains absolute neutrality and has no preferred candidate or political party for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
​Speaking during a high-level media address on Thursday, October 30, 2026, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), reaffirmed the electoral umpire’s unwavering commitment to constitutional integrity, transparency, and the rule of law.
The session, held at the INEC Media Centre inside the commission’s national headquarters at Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, brought together political correspondents and civil society leaders as preparations intensify for the national poll.
​Addressing journalists, Prof. Amupitan stressed that the agency’s primary mandate is to serve as an impartial arbiter accountable only to the voters. “Our sole allegiance is to the rule of law, the sovereign will of the Nigerian electorate, and the democratic progress of our nation,” he affirmed, adding that every eligible vote will be counted accurately to reflect the mandate of the citizens.
​The commission disclosed that extensive logistics planning is already underway to cover all 8,809 registration areas across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. Rather than relying on simple procedural updates, the election chief outlined comprehensive operational measures aimed at enhancing voter registration integrity and bolstering election security.
To combat electoral malpractices such as vote-buying, INEC will deploy joint undercover surveillance units in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
​Prof. Amupitan concluded by urging political parties, candidates, and electoral stakeholders to adhere strictly to statutory campaign guidelines and avoid conduct that could destabilise the democratic process.
