The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has assured Nigerians that every valid vote will count in the 2027 General Election, while former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has urged citizens to support the electoral body in delivering credible polls.
Prof. Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to General Abdulsalami at his residence in Minna, Niger State. He led an INEC delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Directors and Technical Aides.
Describing the former military leader as the “father of Nigeria’s democracy,” the INEC Chairman praised his successful transition to civilian rule in 1999, saying it laid the foundation for the country’s democratic journey. He also commended General Abdulsalami’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, noting that the Peace Accord initiative has helped promote peaceful elections and encouraged political actors to embrace non-violence.
Prof. Amupitan described the visit as a gesture of appreciation for General Abdulsalami’s enduring contributions to democratic stability, peaceful coexistence and credible elections, while also congratulating him on his recent 84th birthday.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting transparent and credible elections, stressing that despite the challenges facing the Commission, it would remain steadfast in ensuring that the will of the electorate prevails.
“Our determination is to ensure that every Nigerian can vote with confidence, knowing that their vote will count and be reflected in the final outcome of the election,” he said.
The INEC Chairman also formally announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
In his response, General Abdulsalami described the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most challenging in the country due to the competing expectations of political stakeholders. He called on Nigerians to rally behind the Commission, emphasizing that the success of the nation’s democracy depends on public trust, cooperation and support for INEC.
He expressed confidence in Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, urging him to remain impartial and courageous in carrying out his constitutional responsibilities. The elder statesman also pledged his continued support and prayers for the Commission as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.
Prof. Amupitan thanked General Abdulsalami for his goodwill and reaffirmed INEC’s resolve to conduct free, fair and credible elections that will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Earlier, the INEC Chairman met with staff at the Commission’s Niger State office, where he reiterated that every vote must count and charged electoral officials to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
He described INEC personnel as the Commission’s frontline ambassadors, noting that public confidence in the electoral process depends largely on their conduct during elections.
Prof. Amupitan also assured staff that the Commission was reviewing its welfare packages, disclosing that steps were being taken to improve working conditions after observing that staff welfare lagged behind many other public institutions when he assumed office.
