The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding and sustaining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process as it commences early strategic planning for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance on Tuesday at a leadership workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), held from January 13 to 15, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Prof. Amupitan described the workshop as timely, noting that the Commission is at a critical transition point marked by leadership changes and the retirement of senior officials after years of service. He said institutional continuity must be driven by clarity of purpose, integrity, and unity of vision, rather than the mere retention of structures.
According to him, continuity does not mean sameness but the capacity to uphold INEC’s constitutional mandate while adapting to evolving electoral realities with foresight and resolve.
Looking ahead to 2027, the INEC Chairman said Nigerians expect an electoral management body that is independent, transparent, professional, and credible. He explained that these expectations underpin the Commission’s induction programmes and strategic retreats, which aim to set a clear roadmap for future elections.
He acknowledged that despite reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023, public trust in elections remains fragile, warning that democracy cannot thrive without confidence in the process.
“In an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts, INEC is often forced to defend its integrity even before the first vote is cast,” he said.
Prof. Amupitan stressed that the Commission remains committed to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s regulations and guidelines, adding that rebuilding public trust is a daily operational responsibility.
Also speaking, IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Seray Jah, said the workshop represents the early strategic phase of preparations for the 2027 General Election, noting that decisions taken early in the electoral cycle largely shape election credibility.
He reaffirmed IFES’ long-standing partnership with INEC since 1998 and its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s electoral process through the 2027 cycle and beyond.
