INEC has no candidates, no party – Amupitan

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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general election, saying INEC has no candidate or political party to favour.

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In a post obtained from INEC’s X handle on Sunday, Amupitan stated this during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of the commission’s stakeholder engagement and preparations for the 2027 elections.

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The visit formed part of activities surrounding INEC’s planned interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment at the zonal level.

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The INEC chairman was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, Special Aides and other senior officials of the commission.

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Amupitan described traditional institutions as important stakeholders in the electoral process because of their influence and reach within communities.

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He said elections were fundamentally about the social contract between citizens and those entrusted with public office, stressing that public trust was essential to the success of democracy.

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According to him, INEC has commenced preparations early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria.

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He said the commission had moved away from last-minute preparations and was testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems well ahead of the 2027 polls.

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Amupitan assured the Emir that INEC remained committed to neutrality, fairness and transparency in the conduct of elections.

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“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” the INEC chairman said.

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He added that the commission would continue engaging traditional institutions and other stakeholders as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.

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