Abuja: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections ahead of the 2027 general polls. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, addressed these commitments at the 2026 Citizens’ Townhall Electoral Act in Abuja, emphasizing the centrality of electoral integrity to national development and global confidence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Amupitan highlighted Nigeria’s determination to reshape global perceptions through institutional performance under the 2026 framework. Recalling an academic conference at Washington University in St. Louis, where Nigeria was largely discussed in the context of electoral fraud and cybercrime, he shared his experience of advocating for a narrative rooted in resilience, reform, and national potential, which shifted perspectives by the end of the engagement.
Amupitan reiterated that democracy is the foundation of legitimacy and development, quoting former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln: “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” He emphasized that free, fair, and transparent elections are essential for stability, investor confidence, and long-term growth. Discussing the 2026 Electoral Act, he noted that INEC played an active role in the nearly three-year multi-stakeholder reform process involving collaboration with the National Assembly, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders. Clarity and accessibility were central objectives of the legislation, he added.
Addressing debates on the electronic transmission of results, Amupitan attributed isolated delays to infrastructure challenges rather than unwillingness. Citing the recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council election, he explained that difficult terrain and network limitations delayed real-time uploads in certain areas. However, he asserted that the delay was logistical, not systemic, and that the integrity of transmission was maintained.
He underscored the importance of logistics in credible elections, listing timely voting, peaceful conduct, effective result management, and transparent declaration as key benchmarks. Acknowledging infrastructural and human challenges, he noted that institutional learning and reforms are ongoing. Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, he highlighted lessons learned in scaling electoral technology nationwide and expressed confidence in the preparations for 2027, which will include nationwide stress-testing of technology, infrastructure reinforcement, and scenario-based simulations.
Amupitan expressed confidence that the 2027 general election would mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, linking credible elections directly to development, stability, and global respect. He stated, “Nigeria deserves elections that inspire trust at home and command confidence abroad. That is our commitment.”
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, raised concerns about whether the 2026 Electoral Act would strengthen democratic credibility or leave room for manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Itodo acknowledged that the Act introduced provisions to improve electoral administration, including clearer voter accreditation rules, electronic transmission of results, and defined timelines for results management. However, he warned that certain clauses could weaken institutional safeguards if not properly implemented and expressed concerns over the financial independence of INEC and possible loopholes in electoral dispute resolution and results collation processes.