‘We have no candidates, no party’, INEC reaffirms neutrality ahead of 2027 elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

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The Commission disclosed this on its official X platform on Sunday, following a visit by its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR.

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The visit was part of activities ahead of the Commission’s planned interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment for the 2027 general election at the zonal level.

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Amupitan was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, other special aides and directors of the Commission.

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At the palace of the 19th Emir of Zazzau, the INEC chairman described the visit as an important stakeholder engagement ahead of the 2027 electoral activities.

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He said traditional institutions remained important stakeholders in the electoral process because of their influence and grassroots reach.

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According to him, elections are fundamentally about the social contract between citizens and those entrusted with public office, making public trust critical to the success of democracy.

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Amupitan said INEC had commenced preparations early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections in 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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The INEC chairman assured the Emir that the Commission remained committed to neutrality, fairness and transparency.

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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,” he said.

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