The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has reassured Nigerians that every lawful vote will count in the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan gave the firm assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
Leading a delegation of National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides, the INEC Chairman described General Abubakar as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” noting that his successful transition to civilian rule in 1999 remains a defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
He further praised the former Head of State’s role as Chairman of the National Peace Committee, describing the Peace Accord initiative as “a moralising influence on Nigeria’s political ecosystem” that has helped political actors commit to non-violence and strengthened the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.
Amupitan told the elder statesman that, regardless of the pressures confronting the Commission, INEC remains fully committed to ensuring that the will of Nigerians as expressed at the polls will prevail.
“The Commission’s determination under my leadership is to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes would be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections. This is the core assurance INEC owes the electorate,” he stated.
The INEC Chairman also formally confirmed the dates for the 2027 general elections: the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
In his response, General Abubakar called on Nigerians to support INEC ahead of the 2027 polls and urged the Commission to remain fair to all parties while resisting political pressures.