Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Friday reassured Nigerians that every lawful vote cast in the 2027 general elections would count.

He pledged that the commission would protect the integrity of the electoral process despite mounting public scrutiny over its leadership.

Amupitan gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State capital.

He said the commission remained committed to ensuring that the outcome of elections reflected the genuine choice of the electorate.

“The Commission’s determination under my leadership is to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes will be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections. That is the core assurance INEC owes the electorate,” he said.

He added that no amount of pressure would deter the commission from delivering credible elections and allowing the will of Nigerians to prevail.

The INEC chairman also reaffirmed the timetable for the next general elections.

He said presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would be conducted on February 6, 2027.

Amupitan led a delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides on the visit.

He described Abdulsalami as a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

He noted that the former military ruler’s transition to civilian rule in 1999 laid the foundation for the country’s current democratic dispensation.

He also commended the former Head of State’s leadership of the National Peace Committee.

He said its Peace Accord initiative had continued to encourage peaceful campaigns and discourage electoral violence.

Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation,” Amupitan congratulated Abdulsalami on his recent 84th birthday and acknowledged his contributions to democratic stability and peaceful coexistence.

Daily Trust reports that Friday’s assurance comes against the backdrop of growing public debate over INEC’s impartiality since Amupitan assumed office.

The commission has faced sustained criticism from opposition parties and civil society organisations, which have argued that public confidence in the electoral body must be strengthened through transparent actions as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.

The controversy intensified earlier this year after alleged old social media posts linked to Amupitan resurfaced online and were interpreted by critics as expressing sympathy for the ruling All Progressives Congress before his appointment.

Although INEC denied that the chairman owned or operated the account and dismissed the claims, the incident sparked fresh demands from some opposition figures for his resignation.

The insisted that the development had raised questions about the commission’s neutrality.

The electoral body has also come under criticism over some of its pre-election administrative decisions.

This include disputes relating to the recognition of political party leadership and other regulatory actions which opposition parties claimed favoured the ruling party.

INEC, however, has consistently maintained that all its decisions are guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and extant regulations, dismissing allegations of bias.

Against this backdrop, Amupitan’s latest pledge that every vote will count is expected to be closely watched by political parties, election observers and millions of Nigerians seeking renewed confidence in the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

Responding, Abdulsalami urged Nigerians to support the electoral commission, saying broad public cooperation would be essential to the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections. (Daily Trust)

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