The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every legitimate vote cast in the 2027 general elections will count.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday, July 24, 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.
He was accompanied by a delegation that included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and his technical aides.
During the visit, the INEC chairman praised Abdulsalam for his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing him as “the father of democracy in Nigeria.”
He noted that the former military leader’s successful transition to civilian rule in 1999 remains one of the country’s most significant democratic milestones.
Amupitan also commended Abdulsalam’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, particularly its Peace Accord initiative, which he said has encouraged political actors to embrace peaceful campaigns and elections.
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According to the INEC chairman, the initiative has become “a moralising influence on Nigeria’s political ecosystem” by giving political parties and candidates an opportunity to commit themselves to non-violence and respect for the democratic process, thereby strengthening “the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.”
He described the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation” in recognition of Abdulsalam’s efforts towards peaceful coexistence, credible elections and democratic stability. He also congratulated the elder statesman on his recent 84th birthday.
Addressing concerns ahead of the next general election, Amupitan insisted that INEC would remain committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral process despite the challenges it may face.
He said, “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,” describing this as “the core assurance INEC owed the electorate.”
The INEC chairman also officially announced the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
According to the commission, elections into the offices of the President and members of the National Assembly will be conducted on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Responding, General Abdulsalam Abubakar urged Nigerians to continue supporting the electoral commission as preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.