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By Tracy Moses
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has began early preparations for the 2027 general election, pledging strict adherence to the rule of law and reaffirming its commitment to delivering elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive.
The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said INEC is deliberately moving ahead of schedule by strengthening its leadership capacity, operational systems, and institutional coherence to meet growing public expectations of the electoral process. He stressed that early planning, strategic coordination, and unwavering respect for the legal framework would be decisive in safeguarding the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
Amupitan made the remarks on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the opening of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat organised by the Commission for newly appointed National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Lagos.
He explained that while the 2027 General Election remains INEC’s ultimate objective, the Commission must first successfully conduct several key electoral activities. These include the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections scheduled for February 2026, as well as the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
According to him, the forthcoming elections will serve as critical testing grounds for refining voter register management, election logistics, and the deployment of election technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The INEC Chairman outlined five non-negotiable principles guiding the Commission’s mandate: elections free from interference; fairness to all political parties and candidates; credibility in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community; transparency at every stage of the electoral process; and inclusivity to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised.
He also drew attention to the increasing population of young, first-time voters ahead of 2027, describing them as digitally savvy citizens who demand real-time transparency and have little tolerance for opacity.
Amupitan noted that earning the trust of this demographic requires electoral systems that are inclusive, technologically sound, and beyond reproach, adding that credibility achieved in 2027 would translate into long-term confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Emphasising the legal framework governing elections, the INEC Chairman assured that the Commission would continue to operate strictly within the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and any subsequent amendments.
He stated that under his leadership, respect for the rule of law remains fundamental to INEC’s operations and decision-making, warning that any deviation from established procedures or values would attract appropriate sanctions.
He explained that the retreat is structured around 17 critical thematic areas aimed at strengthening election management.
These include logistics and personnel deployment; Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and revalidation; election security and inter-agency collaboration; political party regulation; internal party democracy and campaign finance transparency; election result management; as well as the training and welfare of election personnel.
Amupitan further noted that the retreat is designed to induct newly appointed Commission members and RECs into INEC’s institutional framework, administrative structure, communication channels, and ethical standards. Participants are also being familiarised with the legal framework governing elections, electoral amendments, and the timelines and procedures of election tribunals.
According to him, the engagement provides a platform for experienced state-level implementers to share lessons from off-cycle elections, bye-elections, and other electoral activities.
These insights, he said, would inform strategies to improve the integrity of the voter register, election logistics, personnel training, and the Election Result Management System ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Reaffirming his commitment to staff welfare, the INEC Chairman assured that while excellence would be demanded, the Commission would continue to provide the tools and enabling environment required for optimal performance. He urged the leadership of the Commission to break down institutional silos, promote open communication, and work collectively to restore and sustain public trust in the electoral process.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Ayobami Salami, welcomed participants to Lagos, describing the retreat as a significant milestone in INEC’s ongoing institutional development.
Salami said the retreat provides an opportunity for reflection, strategic alignment, and institutional consolidation at a time when public expectations of the electoral process are higher than ever.
He emphasised that early planning, coordination, and institutional cohesion are indispensable as the Commission advances towards the 2027 General Election.
He added that beyond enhancing technical competence, the retreat also offers opportunities for peer interaction, leadership bonding, and cross-fertilisation of ideas, which would further strengthen INEC as a cohesive and effective Election Management Body.
Also speaking, the Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs. Helen Ajayi, outlined the objectives of the retreat, explaining that newly appointed Commission members are being inducted into INEC’s institutional framework and familiarised with the legal and administrative architecture of elections.
She added that the retreat also provides a platform for experience sharing among state-level implementers of electoral policies and programmes.