The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its resolve to conduct elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive as it steps up preparations for the 2027 general election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the Commission is deliberately strengthening leadership capacity, operational systems and institutional coordination to meet growing public expectations of the electoral process.
He stressed that early planning, effective coordination and strict compliance with the rule of law are essential to the credibility of the 2027 general election.
Amupitan spoke on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the opening of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat for newly appointed Chairman, National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Lagos.
He explained that although the 2027 polls remain INEC’s ultimate focus, the Commission must first deliver successfully on key electoral activities, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 2026, and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
According to him, these elections will serve as test cases for improving voter register management, election logistics and the use of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Amupitan outlined five core principles guiding INEC’s mandate: elections free from interference, fairness to all political parties and candidates, credibility at national and international levels, transparency at every stage of the process, and inclusivity to ensure no eligible voter is excluded.
He highlighted the rising number of young, first-time voters ahead of 2027, describing them as digitally aware citizens who demand real-time transparency and accountability.
He noted that gaining their trust requires robust, inclusive and technology-driven systems, adding that credibility achieved in 2027 would strengthen long-term confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
On the legal framework, the INEC chairman assured that the Commission will continue to operate strictly within the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and any subsequent amendments.
He warned that under his leadership, any breach of established laws, values or procedures would attract sanctions.
Amupitan said the retreat will deliberate on 17 key thematic areas aimed at improving 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, campaign finance transparency, election result management, and staff training.
He added that the programme is designed to induct new Commission members and RECs into INEC’s institutional structure, administrative processes, communication channels and ethical standards.
Participants will also be briefed on the legal framework for elections, electoral amendments, and the timelines and procedures of election tribunals.
Amupitan said the retreat allows experienced state-level officials to share lessons from off-cycle elections, bye-elections and other electoral activities, which will help improve voter register integrity, logistics, personnel training and the Election Result Management System ahead of 2027.
Reaffirming his commitment to staff welfare, he assured that while high standards will be enforced, INEC will continue to provide the tools and enabling environment needed for optimal performance.
He urged the Commission’s leadership to dismantle institutional silos, encourage open communication and work collectively to rebuild and sustain public trust in the electoral process.
Earlier, the Lagos State REC, Prof. Ayobami Salami, welcomed participants, describing the retreat as a key milestone in INEC’s ongoing institutional development.
Salami said the engagement offers a platform for reflection, strategic alignment and consolidation at a time of heightened public scrutiny of the electoral process.
He emphasised that early planning, coordination and institutional cohesion remain critical as INEC moves towards the 2027 general election.
He added that beyond technical capacity building, the retreat promotes peer learning, leadership bonding and the exchange of ideas needed to strengthen INEC as a unified and effective election management body.
The Lagos REC congratulated the newly appointed Chairman, National Commissioners and RECs, urging participants to engage actively and contribute to discussions focused on building a credible electoral system that reflects Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
Also speaking, the Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs Helen Ajayi, said the retreat aims to induct new members into INEC’s institutional framework, deepen understanding of the legal and administrative structure of elections, and encourage experience sharing among state-level implementers of electoral policies.
