The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is actively reinforcing its dedication to conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive as it gears up for the 2027 general election. The Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, highlighted that INEC is systematically enhancing its leadership capabilities, operational frameworks, and organizational unity to meet increasing public expectations regarding the electoral process. He stressed that proactive planning, strategic collaboration, and unwavering adherence to legal principles are paramount for the integrity of the upcoming 2027 General Election. These significant remarks were delivered on Friday, January 9th, 2026, during the commencement of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat in Lagos, specifically designed for newly appointed Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners.
While the 2027 general election is the primary objective, Professor Amupitan pointed out that INEC must first successfully manage several crucial electoral events. These include the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council Elections slated for February 2026, alongside the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. These preliminary elections will function as vital testing grounds for refining voter registration procedures, optimizing election logistics, and effectively deploying technological tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS.
What is INEC’s commitment to election integrity? INEC is committed to delivering elections that are free from interference, fair to all parties, credible in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community, transparent at every stage, and inclusive, ensuring no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised.
He further detailed five fundamental principles that underpin the Commission’s mandate. These core pillars are centered on ensuring elections are free from external interference, maintaining fairness for all political parties and candidates, achieving credibility that resonates with both Nigerians and the global community, upholding transparency throughout every phase of the electoral process, and guaranteeing inclusivity so that no eligible citizen is excluded from participating.
The INEC chairman acknowledged the significant influx of young, first-time voters anticipated before 2027. He characterized these voters as digitally adept individuals who expect real-time transparency and have minimal patience for opaque processes. Building trust with this demographic, he explained, necessitates systems that are inclusive, technologically advanced, and beyond question. The credibility established in 2027 is expected to foster long-term confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Emphasizing the legal framework governing electoral processes, Amupitan assured attendees that the Commission would continue to operate strictly within the bounds of the 2022 Electoral Act and any subsequent legislative modifications. He firmly stated that under his leadership, respecting the rule of law is a non-negotiable aspect of INEC’s operational and decision-making procedures, warning that any deviation from established values or protocols will result in repercussions.
He elaborated on the retreat’s structure, which involves deliberations on 17 critical thematic areas aimed at enhancing election management. These areas encompass logistics and personnel deployment, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and revalidation processes, election security protocols and inter-agency cooperation, the regulation of political parties, fostering internal party democracy, ensuring transparency in campaign finance, effective election result management, and comprehensive training for election personnel.
Furthermore, Amupitan noted that the engagement is designed to integrate newly appointed Commission members and Resident Electoral Commissioners into INEC’s established institutional framework, administrative structure, communication channels, and ethical standards. Participants are also being familiarized with the legal underpinnings of elections, recent electoral amendments, and the established timelines and procedures for election tribunals.
According to him, the retreat provides an invaluable opportunity for experienced state-level implementers of the Commission’s policies and programs to share practical insights gained from off-cycle elections, bye-elections, and other electoral activities. These collective experiences, he indicated, will be instrumental in shaping strategies to elevate the integrity of the voter register, improve election logistics, enhance personnel training, and strengthen the Election Result Management System in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
Reiterating his commitment to the well-being of the staff, the INEC Chairman pledged that while high standards of performance will be expected, the Commission will continue to furnish the necessary resources and a supportive environment conducive to optimal productivity. He encouraged the Commission’s leadership to dismantle institutional barriers, promote open dialogue, and emerge united in their efforts to restore and sustain public trust in the electoral system.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, welcomed the participants to Lagos, characterizing the retreat as a significant advancement in the Commission’s ongoing institutional development. Salami underscored that this engagement offers a crucial platform for introspection, strategic alignment, and institutional strengthening at a time when public expectations of the electoral process are exceptionally high. He concurred that early planning, effective coordination, and robust institutional cohesion are indispensable as the Commission progresses towards the 2027 General Election.
He added that beyond the acquisition of technical knowledge, the retreat facilitates peer interaction, leadership bonding, and the cross-pollination of ideas that will ultimately reinforce INEC as a cohesive and highly effective Election Management Body. The Lagos REC congratulated the newly appointed Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners, urging all participants to actively engage in the sessions and contribute constructively to discussions aimed at cultivating an electoral system that inspires confidence and upholds Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
Detailing the objectives of the retreat, the Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs. Helen Ajayi, explained that new members will be formally inducted into INEC’s institutional framework, familiarizing them with the legal and administrative architecture governing elections. The retreat also serves as a vital platform for sharing practical experience among those responsible for implementing electoral policies at the state level.
