INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has promised Nigerians that the 2027 General Election will be “free, fair, transparent and technologically driven,” while warning that the Commission will not tolerate misconduct in the electoral process.
Amupitan spoke in Lagos on Friday, January 9, during INEC’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat, where he said the Commission must adapt quickly to changing realities and meet rising public expectations.
“We gather here today not merely as electoral administrators and leaders, but as the custodians of the will of the Nigerian people.
“This retreat serves as a bridge between our institutional experience and the innovative demands of a rapidly evolving electoral landscape,” he said.
He praised INEC personnel for their work during the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, describing it as an early benchmark in his tenure.
He said the build-up to 2027 will be shaped by major electoral activities, including the February 2026 FCT Area Council elections and off-cycle governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun.
“These elections are not just routine exercises; they are the testing grounds for our resolve and our readiness.
“They offer us the chance to refine our processes… ensuring that every technical and logistical gear is perfectly oiled before the grand national exercise of 2027,” he said.
Amupitan said INEC’s approach would be anchored on five standards he described as non-negotiable: elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive.
“We are here to organise elections that are free from any form of interference; fair to all contestants and political parties; credible in the eyes of the global community; transparent in every process… and inclusive of every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability or location,” he said.
He also pointed to the importance of first-time voters, especially young Nigerians, in 2027, noting that they will demand openness and instant clarity.
“Millions of young citizens will be approaching the ballot box for the very first time. These are digital natives who demand transparency in real time and have little patience for opacity.
“It is our duty to prove to these tech-savvy, and often sceptical, young voters that INEC can be trusted,” he said.
On compliance, Amupitan said the Commission would be guided strictly by law.
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“Let it be known that under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system.”
He said participants at the retreat would review 17 thematic areas, including logistics, ad-hoc staffing, transportation, voter registration, election security and political party management.
“We must ensure that the Continuous Voter Registration and revalidation exercises are beyond reproach.
“We will discuss election security… and how to enforce internal democracy and transparency in party finances,” He stressed.
Amupitan said INEC must use the next general election to set a new benchmark for Nigeria and the continent.
“The 2027 General Election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history.
“Let it be said that under our watch, INEC became the best Election Management Body in Africa, a beacon of integrity, a model of technological efficiency, and a fortress of democratic values,” he declared.
He added that breaches of INEC’s values would attract sanctions.
“I reaffirm my commitment to your welfare, but I must also reiterate that any compromise on our values or processes will have consequences. There is no room for misconduct, whether by omission or commission.
“Let us use this retreat to break down silos, foster open communication, volunteer constructive feedback and emerge as a united front,” the INEC chairman said.