As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the call for a credible, transparent, and trustworthy electoral process has never been louder. In a powerful address to staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Commission’s Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), has issued a clarion call for unity, diligence, and integrity among election officials nationwide.
Prof. Amupitan, who recently toured Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centres in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, emphasized that the only way to bridge the growing trust deficit between the Nigerian public and INEC is through a collective commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
“We are in it together to serve Nigeria and strengthen democracy,” Amupitan declared, underscoring the pivotal role every staff member plays in shaping the nation’s democratic future. “Though INEC is already facing a trust deficit, whatever we are doing in Abuja, we must cascade it here, to the grassroots. We must work hard to restore the trust of the people.”
Building Trust Through Action
The Chairman did not mince words in acknowledging the public’s eroding confidence in the electoral body. Yet, he remained resolute: “What we owe Nigerians is free, fair, and credible elections. Let their expectations be met. We want Nigerians to begin to believe in INEC—that whoever emerges as the winner truly reflects the will of the people.”
To achieve this, Amupitan urged every INEC official—regardless of rank or department—to go beyond their routine duties. He stressed that ensuring electoral integrity is not the sole responsibility of the Voter Education and Publicity unit, but a shared mission.
“Encourage and galvanise [citizens] to come out while assuring them that their votes will count,” he said, calling on all hands to actively participate in public enlightenment campaigns about the ongoing CVR exercise.
Sanitizing the Voters’ Register
One of the most critical steps toward electoral credibility, Amupitan revealed, will be a comprehensive voters’ revalidation exercise. This initiative aims to clean up and authenticate the national voter database by removing deceased individuals and ineligible registrants.
“The register should be sanitised,” he stated firmly. “We must have accurate, up-to-date data to ensure only eligible Nigerians are on the register.”
To enhance this effort, INEC plans to collaborate with the National Population Commission (NPC) and other relevant agencies to track Nigerians of registrable age and ensure they are registered. This strategic partnership could significantly boost voter inclusion, especially among first-time voters and marginalised groups.
On-the-Ground Challenges and Commitment to Solutions
During his visit, the INEC Chairman personally engaged with field staff and observed the registration process firsthand. While he expressed satisfaction with the high turnout—particularly among young people—he also received feedback on technical challenges such as poor network connectivity and login issues at registration centres.
Amupitan assured registrants and staff that these issues would be “resolved promptly,” reaffirming INEC’s commitment to a seamless and accessible registration process.
A Shared Mandate
Responding to the Chairman’s visit, the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Obo Effanga, expressed gratitude for the morale-boosting tour and pledged the state office’s full commitment to delivering on INEC’s mandate in 2027.
“Our people see your presence as a sign of hope,” Effanga said. “We promise to uphold transparency and excellence in all we do.”
The Road to 2027
With political activities already gaining momentum across the country, including ongoing party congresses and primary elections, the Chairman reminded INEC staff to remain impartial and professional in all dealings.
“Any activity you are handling—do it with every honesty and utmost courtesy,” he urged. “What you are doing today will determine the 2027 elections. If you want to determine the future, you create it.”
Indeed, the actions taken in the next few years—starting with an inclusive and accurate voter register—will lay the foundation for a renewed democracy. Professor Amupitan’s message is clear: credibility is not inherited; it is earned through consistent, transparent, and accountable service.
As Nigeria stands at the crossroads of democratic renewal, INEC has its work cut out. But with leadership that acknowledges the challenges and a workforce re-energized by a shared national purpose, the hope for a truly credible 2027 election is not only possible—it is within reach.
