2027: Amupitan Emphasizes to INEC Personnel that Transparent and Unbiased Elections are Absolutely Essential

Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, has urged the commission's staff to prepare for the task of conducting a free, fair, and credible poll, emphasizing that this is the only way to eliminate the trust deficit surrounding the commission.

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This move is part of the commission's determination to strengthen and deepen the country's democratic process and restore public trust ahead of 2027, according to Amupitan.

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Amupitan made these remarks on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while addressing INEC staff at the commission's secretariat, following his inspection of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise in some local government areas of the state.

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The commission plans to collaborate with the National Population Commission and other relevant agencies to track Nigerians of registrable age and ensure they participate in the CVR exercise, Amupitan stated.

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Amupitan emphasized that the commission's efforts are a collective endeavor to serve Nigeria and strengthen democracy, particularly as the country approaches 2027.

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He acknowledged the existing trust deficit surrounding INEC, stressing the need to cascade the commission's efforts from Abuja to other parts of the country and work towards restoring trust.

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Amupitan encouraged staff to handle their activities with honesty and courtesy, particularly during the ongoing state congresses, as their actions will have a significant impact on the 2027 elections.

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He emphasized that the commission's primary objective is to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, meeting the expectations of Nigerians and demonstrating that the will of the people is being represented.

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Amupitan announced that the commission will undertake a voters revalidation exercise to ensure accurate data on eligible voters, removing those who have passed away or are ineligible to be on the register.

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The goal of this exercise is to "sanitise" the register, according to Amupitan.

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He called on all INEC staff to contribute to raising awareness about the ongoing voter registration exercise, rather than leaving it solely to the Voter Education and Publicity unit.

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Amupitan encouraged staff to motivate and reassure potential voters that their votes will count, emphasizing the importance of their participation.

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In response, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Obo Effanga, thanked the chairman for visiting the polling units and interacting with staff, pledging to ensure the commission delivers on its mandate ahead of 2027.

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The chairman visited some CVR registration centres in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, where he received complaints about network challenges and login problems, which he assured would be addressed.

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Amupitan expressed satisfaction with the high turnout of young people for the registration exercise and advocated for increased voter education in the state.