2027: We must rebuild trust in electoral system for legitimate elections, says INEC
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has identified declining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system as a pressing challenge, warning that the trust deficit remains
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has identified declining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system as a pressing challenge, warning that the trust deficit remains a significant concern for the Commission.
Amupitan spoke in Abuja at a stakeholder briefing and presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee.
He linked the low voter turnout recorded in recent elections to waning public trust in the electoral process, stressing that confidence in the system is critical to strengthening democratic legitimacy.
According to him, increased trust would not only boost voter participation but also confer greater legitimacy on those elected into office.
The INEC chairman called on the National Peace Committee and other key stakeholders to intensify collaborative efforts aimed at rebuilding public confidence and promoting peaceful engagement in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Prof. Amupitan said, “So for us, we appeal to the National Peace Committee to help us in the area of building trust. The trust deficit is such that anywhere you go, it’s palpable. If voters will not participate, then whoever emerges… it is also in our own interest that everybody continues to participate. We’ll get it right one day,” he said.
He noted that virtually all members of the Commission, except for those who were out of town, as well as relevant directors and other senior management staff of INEC were at the engagement, signalling the seriousness with which the Commission treats issues concerning elections and democratic consolidation.
While describing Nigeria’s electoral landscape as diverse, complex and highly competitive, the INEC Chairman said democratic growth must be anchored not only on legality, but also on legitimacy.
He said, “Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality, but legitimacy,” adding that the Commission remains open to scrutiny and constructive criticism.
He said, “Constitutionally, INEC is the custodian of Nigerian democracy and elections. Whatever comments are made, we don’t get angry. We take them, process them and see how we can improve.”
According to Prof. Amupitan, while INEC continues to refine its processes, the responsibility of credible elections cannot be left to the Commission alone, stressing the need for political parties to strengthen voter mobilisation, internal discipline and sustained civic engagement which is vital to reversing declining turnout.
He expressed concern about low voter turnout in recent elections, saying broad-based confidence in the system is essential for democratic legitimacy.
The INEC Chairman highlighted steps being taken by the Commission to improve results management and address public concerns around transparency, adding that additional safeguards have been introduced to ensure consistency and accuracy in results handling and were tested in recent elections.
He warned against the danger of misinformation insisting that the spread of false narratives during elections undermines public confidence and can inflame tensions.
He said the Commission was working closely with security agencies and relevant institutions to counter disinformation and ensure factual reporting of electoral processes.
On the issue of electoral offences, particularly vote trading and vote buying, the INEC Chairman said such practices remain criminal under Nigerian law and must be dealt with decisively, and urged law enforcement agencies to conclude investigations promptly and pursue prosecution where necessary.
He said further that the Commission was also prioritising the sanitisation of the voter register, acknowledging concerns about duplications and outdated records because ensuring an authentic and credible register remains a foundational element of credible elections.
Speaking on the Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections, Prof. Amupitan described them as critical milestones on the road to 2027, adding that INEC was considering additional technology testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units, to further strengthen operational preparedness.
He also appealed for the timely release of election funds in accordance with the amended legal provisions, stressing that early access to resources is crucial for procurement, logistics and overall planning.
Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to providing a neutral platform for dialogue, mediation and confidence-building.
Represented by the Convener of the National Peace Committee, Rev. Fr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Gen. Abdulsalami said since 2015, the Peace Accord has served as a stabilising instrument in Nigeria’s electoral process, while describing the Annotated Peace Accord as a strengthened framework designed to provide clarity, guidance and preventive engagement among stakeholders.
He said, “The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests with all of us,” and called for sustained collaboration, restraint and responsible conduct from political actors, institutions and citizens alike.
