The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast during the 2027 general elections will count, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible polls that truly reflect the will of the electorate.
Amupitan gave the 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.
The visit formed part of the commission’s engagement with key national stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections and underscored INEC’s resolve to deepen public confidence in the country’s electoral process.
The INEC chairman was accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and members of his technical team.
Speaking during the visit, Amupitan paid glowing tribute to General Abubakar, describing him as one of the foremost architects of Nigeria’s democratic journey and a statesman whose leadership laid the foundation for the country’s uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999.
He referred to the former military leader as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” noting that his decision to hand over power to a democratically elected civilian administration on May 29, 1999, marked a historic turning point in Nigeria’s political development.
According to the INEC chairman, the successful transition from military rule to civilian governance under General Abubakar remains one of the defining milestones in Nigeria’s democratic history and continues to inspire efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
Amupitan said the electoral commission holds the former Head of State in high esteem, describing him not only as a respected elder statesman but also as a dependable supporter of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“The Commission regards General Abdulsalami Abubakar not merely as a statesman but as a pillar of support for INEC,” he said.
He also commended Abubakar’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, describing the committee’s work in promoting peaceful elections as an invaluable contribution to Nigeria’s democracy.
The INEC chairman specifically praised the committee’s Peace Accord initiative, which requires political parties and candidates to publicly commit themselves to conducting peaceful campaigns and accepting the outcomes of credible elections.
According to Amupitan, the initiative has become an important mechanism for reducing political violence and encouraging issue-based campaigns before, during and after elections.
He described the Peace Accord as “a moralising influence on Nigeria’s political ecosystem,” noting that it has consistently provided political actors with a platform to pledge their commitment to non-violence and democratic values.
The initiative, he said, has contributed significantly to strengthening respect for the electorate’s choice by encouraging political leaders to prioritise peace over conflict.
INEC believes that such interventions have helped reinforce what Amupitan described as “the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people,” ensuring that democratic contests are conducted in a more peaceful atmosphere.
Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation,” the INEC chairman said the commission considered it important to personally acknowledge General Abubakar’s enduring contributions to national unity, peaceful coexistence, democratic stability and credible elections.
He also congratulated the former Head of State on the occasion of his recent 84th birthday, wishing him continued good health and many more years of service to the nation.
Turning to preparations for the 2027 elections, Amupitan acknowledged that the commission faces enormous expectations from Nigerians as well as operational and logistical challenges associated with organising nationwide elections.
Nevertheless, he assured citizens that INEC remains fully committed to delivering elections that accurately reflect the wishes of the electorate.
He stressed that no amount of pressure, intimidation or external influence would distract the commission from its constitutional responsibility of conducting credible elections.
According to him, the overriding objective of the commission under his leadership is to restore and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process by ensuring that every lawful vote counts.
“The Commission’s determination under my leadership is to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes will be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” Amupitan said.
He described that commitment as the most important assurance the commission owes every Nigerian voter.
The INEC chairman emphasised that democracy can only flourish when citizens believe that their participation in elections has a direct impact on governance.
He therefore encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process, expressing confidence that the commission would provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
Amupitan also used the occasion to formally reaffirm the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
According to the commission, elections into the offices of the President, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives will take place on January 16, 2027.
The second phase of the elections, covering governorship positions and membership of the various State Houses of Assembly, is scheduled to hold on February 6, 2027.
The announcement provides political parties, candidates and other stakeholders with a clearer timeline for preparations ahead of the nationwide polls.
INEC has repeatedly stated that early planning remains critical to ensuring efficient logistics, effective voter education and improved election management across the country.
Responding, General Abdulsalami Abubakar welcomed the INEC delegation and expressed appreciation for the commission’s continued engagement with stakeholders committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria.
The former Head of State commended the commission’s efforts towards ensuring credible elections and urged Nigerians to support INEC as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He emphasised that successful elections require not only the commitment of the electoral commission but also the cooperation of political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate.
Abubakar also reiterated the National Peace Committee’s commitment to promoting peaceful campaigns and encouraging political actors to embrace dialogue, tolerance and non-violence throughout the electoral process.
Political observers say Amupitan’s assurance comes at a time when public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system remains a major issue following controversies surrounding previous elections.
Many stakeholders have consistently called on INEC to improve transparency, strengthen electoral technology, enhance logistics and ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act.
With less than six months before political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the commission’s renewed pledge that every vote will count is expected to reassure voters while placing greater responsibility on INEC to deliver elections that meet the expectations of Nigerians and the international community.
