The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has called on the National Peace Committee (NPC) and other key stakeholders to intensify efforts toward rebuilding public trust and guaranteeing peaceful, credible and inclusive elections ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Prof. Amupitan made the appeal last ,Monday during a Stakeholder Briefing and Presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the NPC at the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja.
The high-level engagement attracted leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies and representatives of civil society organisations, underscoring a shared resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
Chairman of the Committee and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, was represented at the event by the Committee’s Convener, Mathew Hassan Kukah.
Speaking at the forum, the INEC Chairman admitted that public confidence in the electoral system has been challenged, describing the trust deficit as “palpable” and one that requires collective, sustained intervention.
“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.
Amupitan noted that nearly all National Commissioners, alongside relevant directors and senior management staff of the Commission, attended the briefing — a move he said demonstrates INEC’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and democratic consolidation.
He described Nigeria’s electoral terrain as diverse and highly competitive, stressing that democratic consolidation must be rooted not only in legality but also legitimacy.
“Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,”
he stated, adding that the Commission 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.”
The INEC boss reiterated that credible elections are a shared responsibility, urging political parties to strengthen internal discipline and intensify voter mobilisation to reverse declining turnout.
Expressing concern over low voter participation in recent polls, he maintained that broad-based public confidence remains the bedrock of democratic legitimacy.
On transparency in results management, Amupitan disclosed that additional safeguards have been introduced to ensure consistency and accuracy in handling election results. According to him, some of these measures were tested in recent electoral exercises.
He also warned against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation during elections, noting that false narratives could erode confidence and heighten tension. The Commission, he said, is working closely with security agencies and relevant institutions to promote factual reporting and counter fake news.
Addressing electoral offences, particularly vote trading, the INEC Chairman emphasised that such practices remain criminal under Nigerian law and called for prompt investigation and prosecution of offenders.
He further disclosed that the Commission is intensifying efforts to sanitise the voter register to eliminate duplications and outdated records, describing a credible register as fundamental to credible elections.
Looking ahead to the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, Amupitan described them as critical milestones toward the 2027 polls. He revealed that INEC is considering additional technology testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units, to enhance operational preparedness.
He also stressed the importance of timely release of election funds in line with the amended legal framework, noting that early access to resources is crucial for procurement, logistics and strategic planning.
In his welcome address delivered on his behalf, General Abdulsalami reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to providing a neutral platform for dialogue, mediation and confidence-building among stakeholders.
He noted that since 2015, the Peace Accord has played a stabilising role in Nigeria’s electoral process, describing the newly introduced Annotated Peace Accord as an enhanced framework aimed at deepening clarity, guidance and preventive engagement.
The stakeholder engagement, observers say, marks another step in efforts to strengthen collaboration, promote peaceful conduct and restore public confidence as preparations gradually gather momentum for the 2027 General Election.
