The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has acknowledged the enormous expectations Nigerians have placed on the electoral body, assuring citizens that the commission is fully aware of its responsibility to deliver credible elections.
Amupitan stated that INEC’s foremost priority under his leadership is to conduct elections that meet global standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness, with the 2027 general elections identified as a defining moment for the commission.
He explained that INEC would not wait until 2027 to assess its readiness, noting that several forthcoming elections would serve as critical testing grounds. These include the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February 2026, as well as the off-cycle governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states.
According to the INEC Chairman, these elections will allow the commission to refine its systems, strengthen logistics, and assess the effectiveness of its technological innovations ahead of the general elections.
Professor Amupitan made these remarks on Friday while delivering his opening address at the 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat for INEC leadership and senior officials. The retreat brought together National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, Administrative Secretaries, Directors, and other top management staff from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Describing the 2027 elections as a historic opportunity, Amupitan said INEC has a chance to redefine election management in Nigeria and set a new standard for the African continent.
“The attention of more than 200 million Nigerians, and indeed the wider African community, is fixed on us,” he said, urging INEC officials to prepare for intense scrutiny and demanding workloads.
He challenged the commission’s leadership to seize the moment and ensure the next general elections are not only free and fair, but also remembered as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Beyond that, Amupitan expressed his ambition to transform INEC into a globally respected election management body, known for integrity, innovation, and institutional independence.
He emphasized that future elections must demonstrate the commission’s ability to deploy technology effectively while maintaining transparency across all stages of the electoral process, from polling units to result collation.
The INEC Chairman outlined five core principles that would guide the commission’s operations: independence from interference, fairness to all political actors, credibility in the eyes of both local and international observers, transparency at every level, and inclusiveness for all eligible Nigerians, including persons with disabilities and those in hard-to-reach areas.
He also highlighted the growing influence of young voters, noting that millions of Nigerians are technologically savvy and increasingly demand openness and accountability in governance.
Amupitan stressed that winning the confidence of young voters is critical to the future of Nigeria’s democracy, adding that reliable digital systems and transparent processes would help build lasting trust in the electoral system.
As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the INEC Chairman reaffirmed his strong commitment to upholding the law, stating that the commission would strictly adhere to the Electoral Act 2022 and any subsequent amendments.
“Under my leadership, the rule of law will be strictly observed. It is not optional; it is the foundation of everything we do,” he said.
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Amupitan also assured staff of his commitment to their welfare and professional development, revealing that the retreat would focus on 17 key thematic areas. These include election logistics, voter registration, security coordination, political party oversight, and inter-agency cooperation, all aimed at enhancing INEC’s capacity to deliver credible elections.
