By EMMANUEL OLONIRUHA

Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and ensure justice to all political parties regardless of political pressure.

Abubakar gave the advice on Friday when the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), alongside his national commissioners, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Minna, Niger.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the INEC management team also paid a visit to another former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), at his Minna residence.

Pledging his support for INEC ahead of the upcoming Osun governorship poll and the 2027 general elections, Abubakar urged the commission to ensure that all elections were free, fair, credible and conducted on a level playing field.

The elder statesman acknowledged the demanding nature of leading the electoral body, describing the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most critical and challenging roles in Nigeria’s democratic framework.

“Your appointment is very, very critical to our democratic setting.

“With the politicians, you need to do a lot to gain their confidence because whatever you and your commissioners do, you will stand accused of bias one way or another.

“If anybody in the political system loses an election, you become the whipping child. They will find excuses to claim that INEC has done something wrong.

“However, with the confidence we have in you, I am absolutely sure and I pray that you will do the best you can for this country,” Abubakar said.

He advised the electoral chief and his team to remain steadfast, ignore unwarranted distractions and strictly abide by their oath of offices.

“The INEC Chairman cannot do this job alone, but the buck stops with you. I am absolutely sure that you will abide by the oath you took.

“You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own.

“So, I wish you well and advise that you close your ears and shut your eyes, because no matter what you do, political parties will have to claim you have done something wrong. That is the nature of Nigerians.

“I hope and pray you take it in good faith because our democracy depends on all of you,” he added.

Abubakar expressed confidence in the leadership and collective capacity of the commission.

He disclosed that the National Peace Committee would hold a strategic meeting in Abuja on July 29, ahead of the official signing of the Peace Accord on July 30 for the Osun governorship election.

He highlighted the Osun election as a crucial test run for the 2027 general elections and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting peaceful, transparent and credible elections across Nigeria.

Earlier in his remarks, Amupitan reassured Nigerians that their votes would count in both the Osun election and the 2027 general elections.

He noted that the visit was to honour the elder statesmen on their contributions to national stability, democracy and peacebuilding and seek their supports and pray toward successful conduct of Osun and 2027 general elections.

Amupitan praised the former leader’s leadership of the NPC, noting that the Peace Accord initiative had provided a vital platform for political actors to commit to non-violence.

“Your initiative and intervention, especially the Peace Accord, have not only provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence, but have also strengthened the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.

“This prevails against disharmony and discord, for which INEC is forever grateful to you, sir.

“We also congratulate you on your recent 84th birthday anniversary and recognise your contributions to national unity.

“Since the transition period in 1999, you have been involved in peacebuilding not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. History will be kind to you,” Amupitan said.

The INEC Chairman confirmed that the Osun governorship election will hold on Aug. 15, with the Peace Accord signing set for July 30 in Osogbo.

He also reaffirmed that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Jan. 16, 2027, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Feb. 6, 2027.

Amupitan assured the statesmen that in spite of the operational challenges including frequent pre-election litigation, INEC remains committed to delivering inclusive elections and incorporating modern technology into its processes.

He decried the lack of a strong democratic culture among political actors, citing instances where sudden court orders force the commission to reprint ballot papers at short notice.

“Just yesterday, my Legal Director informed me of a court order directing us to add another political party after we had already printed ballot papers for Osun.

“All those ballot papers will likely have to be canceled and reprinted. These are some of the hurdles we face.

“Despite these issues and the trust deficiency we currently face, we continue to do our best for a successful election,” he said.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Amupitan noted that the commission sought to draw from the former leaders’ wealth of governance experience.

He expressed delight that both former leaders commended INEC’s dedication and pledged their continued support.

Amupitan urged eligible voters to participate actively in the democratic process, reminding citizens that the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise closes on Sunday, July 26.

Amupitan was accompanied by the national commissioner and Residents Electoral Commissioner for Niger and other management staff members of the commission. (NAN)

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