The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that their votes will count in the 2027 general elections, as the commission reaffirms its commitment to electoral integrity.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
Professor Amupitan led a delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides. He described General Abubakar as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” noting that his transition to civilian rule in 1999 marked a defining moment in the nation’s democratic history.
The INEC chairman said the commission regarded the former Head of State “not merely as a statesman but as a pillar of support for INEC.” He also commended Abubakar’s role as Chairman of the National Peace Committee, describing the Peace Accord initiative as “a moralising influence on Nigeria’s political ecosystem” that had provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence.
Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation” for Abubakar’s contributions to peaceful coexistence and democratic stability, Amupitan congratulated the former Head of State on his recent 84th birthday anniversary.
The INEC chairman assured Abubakar that, regardless of pressures confronting the commission, it remained committed to ensuring that the will of Nigerians as expressed at the polls would prevail.
“The Commission’s determination under my leadership was to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes would be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” he said, describing this as “the core assurance INEC owed the electorate.”
Professor Amupitan formally confirmed the dates for the 2027 general elections: Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on 16 January 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on 6 February 2027.
In response, General Abubakar called on Nigerians to support INEC ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging citizens to remain vigilant and committed to the democratic process.
