Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has pledged that the body will remain strictly neutral in the 2027 general elections, with no preference for any candidate or political party.
Speaking during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Bamalli, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Amupitan said INEC’s core responsibility was to uphold the will of Nigerian voters.
He described traditional institutions as critical stakeholders in the electoral process, given their influence and reach across communities.
The visit forms part of INEC’s ongoing stakeholder engagement and zonal readiness assessments as the commission intensifies nationwide preparations for the 2027 polls, including planned interactive sessions with its staff.
Amupitan said INEC had begun preparations early because of the scale and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria, moving away from last-minute arrangements.
He added that the commission was already testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” he said, assuring the Emir of INEC’s commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency.
In a separate appeal, Amupitan urged that elections should not be treated as a “do-or-die” affair, calling on political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful, issue-based campaigns.
The Chairman enjoined traditional rulers to discourage young people from being used for political violence and thuggery, while encouraging eligible citizens to participate actively in the electoral process.
Amupitan said INEC would continue engaging traditional rulers and other stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 general elections progress.
