RismadarVoice Reporters
October 30, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, declaring that it has no preferred presidential candidate or political party.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the assurance on Friday, October 30, during a meeting with an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission in Abuja.
The delegation was led by former Sierra Leone Vice-President, Victor Bockarie Foh, as part of regional efforts to assess Nigeria’s preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
Amupitan maintained that the commission’s responsibility was to uphold the rule of law, respect the choices of Nigerian voters and strengthen democratic governance.
He described the 2027 elections as significant to Nigeria’s democratic development and political stability across West Africa.
According to him, Nigeria currently has more than 103 million registered voters, with elections expected to take place across 176,846 polling units in 774 local government areas.
He reaffirmed that presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6.
The INEC chairman disclosed that nine of the 14 major activities outlined in the revised electoral timetable had been completed, with the final voters’ register scheduled for certification on December 15, 2026.
He also revealed that the commission had completed operational readiness assessments in four geopolitical zones, while preparations were underway to assess the remaining two.
Amupitan explained that the exercises were designed to identify logistical, security and operational challenges that could affect the conduct of elections.
On election technology, he highlighted plans to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), electronic result verification arrangements and the INEC Result Viewing Portal to strengthen transparency.
He further disclosed that the commission was working with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to address potential threats.
Amupitan welcomed international election observation and called for greater collaboration with ECOWAS in combating electoral disinformation, promoting voter education and encouraging peaceful political participation.
He emphasised that credible elections required the collective responsibility of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed that the commission would remain impartial throughout the electoral process, with its decisions guided by electoral laws and the expressed will of Nigerians.
