Politics
2027: We Have No Parties, Candidates — INEC Chair
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan says the electoral commission has no preferred candidate or political party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying it has no candidate or political party to favour.
Amupitan made the statement during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The visit formed part of INEC’s stakeholder engagement activities ahead of its planned interactive meeting with staff and zonal-level readiness assessment for the 2027 elections.
The INEC chairman was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, Special Aides and other senior officials of the commission.
Amupitan described traditional institutions as important stakeholders in the electoral process because of their influence and grassroots reach within communities.
He said elections were fundamentally part of the social contract between citizens and those entrusted with public office, stressing that public trust was essential to the success of democracy.
According to him, INEC had commenced preparations early because of the scale and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria. He said the commission had moved away from last-minute preparations and was testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems ahead of the polls.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency, Amupitan said:
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria.”
He also urged traditional rulers to encourage political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
Amupitan warned against treating elections as a “do-or-die” affair and urged traditional leaders to discourage young people from being used as instruments of political violence and thuggery.
He further encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, including the collection of their Permanent Voter Cards.
The INEC chairman said the commission would continue engaging traditional institutions and other stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 general elections progress.