PROF. AMUPITAN SEEKS NPC’S SUPPORT TO REBUILD TRUST, SAFEGUARD CREDIBLE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Abuja, Nigeria – 2 March 2026

The Chairman of the (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has appealed to the (NPC) and other critical stakeholders to intensify collaborative efforts aimed at rebuilding public trust and reinforcing peaceful participation in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Prof. Amupitan made the appeal on Monday, 2 March 2026, at the Stakeholder Briefing and Presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the NPC at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The engagement brought together leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies and representatives of civil society organisations, underscoring a shared commitment to peaceful, credible and inclusive elections. The Chairman of the Committee and former Head of State, , GCFR, was represented at the event by the Convener of the Committee, .
In his remarks, the INEC Chairman acknowledged concerns regarding public confidence in the electoral process, describing the trust deficit as a matter requiring collective and sustained action.

“For us, we appeal to the National Peace Committee to help us in the area of building trust. The trust deficit is such that anywhere you go, it is palpable. If voters will not participate, then whoever emerges… it is also in our own interest that everybody continues to participate. We’ll get it right one day,” he stated.

Prof. Amupitan noted that virtually all National Commissioners—except those unavoidably absent—as well as relevant Directors and senior management staff of the Commission were present at the briefing, reflecting the importance INEC attaches to stakeholder engagement and democratic consolidation.
He described Nigeria’s electoral environment as diverse, complex and highly competitive, emphasising that democratic consolidation must be anchored not only on legality but also legitimacy.

“Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,” he said, reaffirming the Commission’s openness to constructive feedback. “Constitutionally, INEC is the custodian of Nigerian democracy and elections. Whatever comments are made, we do not get angry. We take them, process them and see how we can improve.”

The Chairman reiterated that while the Commission continues to refine its processes and procedures, the responsibility for credible elections is shared among all stakeholders. He called on political parties to strengthen internal discipline and voter mobilisation efforts, noting that sustained civic engagement is essential to reversing declining voter turnout.

Expressing concern over low participation in recent elections, Prof. Amupitan stressed that broad-based public confidence remains fundamental to democratic legitimacy.
He further highlighted ongoing measures to enhance results management and address transparency concerns. Without disclosing operational details, he stated that additional safeguards have been introduced to ensure consistency and accuracy in results handling, adding that such measures were tested in recent electoral exercises.

On misinformation and disinformation, the INEC Chairman warned that the spread of false narratives during elections undermines public confidence and can heighten tensions. He disclosed that the Commission continues to collaborate with security agencies and relevant institutions to counter false information and promote factual reporting of electoral activities.

Addressing electoral offences, particularly vote trading, he reiterated that such practices remain criminal under Nigerian law and must be addressed decisively. He urged law enforcement agencies to conclude investigations expeditiously and pursue prosecution where necessary.

The briefing concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to uphold the principles of the Peace Accord and work collectively toward peaceful, transparent and credible elections in 2027.