INEC Seeks National Peace Committee’s Support to Rebuild Voter Confidence Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has called on the National Peace Committee (NPC) and other critical stakeholders to intensify efforts to rebuild public trust and safeguard peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Prof. Amupitan made the appeal on Monday at the Stakeholder Briefing and Presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the NPC at the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja.
The event brought together leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies and representatives of civil society organisations, highlighting a shared commitment to credible, inclusive and violence-free elections. The Chairman of the Committee and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, was represented by the Convener of the Committee, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah.
Addressing participants, the INEC Chairman acknowledged growing concerns over public confidence in the electoral process, describing the trust deficit as palpable and requiring collective, 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 said.
He noted that virtually all National Commissioners—except those unavoidably absent—as well as relevant Directors and senior management staff were present at the briefing, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and democratic consolidation.
Prof. Amupitan described Nigeria’s electoral environment as complex and highly competitive, stressing that democratic consolidation must rest not only on legality but also on legitimacy.
“Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,” he said, adding that INEC remains open to constructive criticism. “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.”
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He emphasised that while the Commission continues to refine its processes, the responsibility for credible elections is shared among all stakeholders. He urged political parties to strengthen internal discipline and voter mobilisation, noting that sustained civic engagement is essential to reversing declining voter turnout.
Expressing concern over low participation in recent elections, the INEC Chairman stressed that broad-based public confidence is fundamental to democratic legitimacy.
On operational reforms, he disclosed that additional safeguards have been introduced to enhance results management and ensure consistency and accuracy, noting that some of the measures were tested in recent electoral exercises.
Prof. Amupitan also warned against misinformation and disinformation, which he said undermine public confidence and heighten electoral tensions. He revealed that INEC is collaborating with security agencies and other institutions to counter false narratives and promote factual reporting.
Addressing electoral offences such as vote trading, he reiterated that such practices remain criminal under Nigerian law and must be tackled decisively. He urged law enforcement agencies to conclude investigations promptly and pursue prosecutions where necessary.
The Commission, he added, is prioritising continuous sanitisation of the voter register to eliminate duplications and outdated records, describing a credible register as foundational to credible elections.
Looking ahead, Prof. Amupitan described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States as critical milestones on the road to 2027. He disclosed that the Commission is considering additional technology testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units, to strengthen operational preparedness.
He also underscored the importance of timely release of election funds in line with the amended legal framework, noting that early access to resources is vital for procurement, logistics and comprehensive planning.
In a welcome address delivered on his behalf, Gen. Abdulsalami reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to providing a neutral platform for dialogue, mediation and confidence-building. He noted that since 2015, the Peace Accord has served as a stabilising instrument in Nigeria’s electoral process.
He described the Annotated Peace Accord as an enhanced framework designed to provide clarity, guidance and preventive engagement among stakeholders, while calling for restraint and responsible conduct by political actors, institutions and citizens.
The stakeholder engagement forms part of INEC’s ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening cooperation, reinforcing peaceful conduct and consolidating public confidence as preparations gradually intensify toward the 2027 General Elections.
By PRNigeria
