INEC fixes 2027 election dates, assures Nigerians of credible polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 General Election will count, reaffirming its commitment to conducting free, fair and credible polls.

The assurance was given by the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), at his residence in Minna, Niger State, on Friday.

Prof. Amupitan, who was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Directors and Technical Aides, described General Abdulsalami as the father of Nigeria’s democracy, noting that his successful transition to civilian rule in 1999 marked a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey.

He also commended the former Head of State’s role as Chairman of the National Peace Committee, saying the Peace Accord initiative had continued to serve as a moral compass for political actors by encouraging peaceful campaigns and strengthening democratic values.

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Describing the visit as a “pilgrimage of gratitude,” the INEC Chairman congratulated General Abdulsalami on his recent 84th birthday and appreciated his enduring support for peaceful elections and democratic stability in Nigeria.

Amupitan acknowledged the challenges confronting the Commission but assured Nigerians that INEC remained resolute in protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

He said the Commission, under his leadership, would continue to encourage citizens to participate in elections with the confidence that their votes would be counted and accurately reflected in the final results.

The INEC Chairman also officially announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Responding, General Abdulsalami described the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most demanding positions in the country due to the varying expectations of political stakeholders.

He urged Nigerians to support the Commission, stressing that the success of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the trust, cooperation and commitment of citizens and political actors.

The former Head of State expressed confidence in Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, encouraging him to remain steadfast, impartial and committed to the discharge of his constitutional responsibilities. He also assured the Commission of his continued support and prayers ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In his response, the INEC Chairman thanked General Abdulsalami for his goodwill towards the Commission and reiterated INEC’s determination to deliver free, fair and credible elections.

Earlier, Prof. Amupitan held an interactive session with staff of the Commission at the INEC Niger State office, where he emphasised the critical role of electoral officials in safeguarding public confidence in the electoral process.

He described the staff as the Commission’s grassroots foot soldiers and urged Electoral Officers and other field personnel to serve as worthy ambassadors of INEC by demonstrating diligence, professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

The INEC Chairman also reaffirmed his commitment to improving staff welfare, disclosing that a review of welfare packages was underway after observing that the conditions of service at the Commission were among the poorest compared to other public institutions when he assumed office.