By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
According to the statement released on the official X handle of the Commission on Sunday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, stated this during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, as part of activities ahead of the Commission’s planned interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment for the 2027 elections at the zonal level.
Amupitan, who was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, directors and other senior officials of the Commission, described the visit to the palace of the 19th Emir of Zazzau as an important stakeholder engagement ahead of the 2027 electoral activities.
He said traditional institutions remained important stakeholders in the electoral process because of their influence and grassroots reach, stressing that public trust was critical to the success of democracy.
According to him, elections were fundamentally about the social contract between citizens and those entrusted with public office.
The INEC Chairman said the Commission had commenced preparations early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections in Nigeria, adding that it had moved away from last-minute preparations.
He said INEC was already testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems well ahead of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan assured the Emir that the electoral commission would remain neutral, fair and transparent throughout the electoral process.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” he said.
He said the ongoing stakeholder engagements were part of efforts to deepen confidence in the electoral process and ensure effective preparations for the 2027 General Election.
He also appealed to the Emir to use his influence to counsel political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence and hate-driven campaigns.
According to him, elections should not be treated as “do-or-die affairs” but as a peaceful expression of citizens’ choices.
He particularly urged traditional rulers to discourage young people from allowing themselves to be used for political violence.
He also called on eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process, including the forthcoming collection of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that an informed and engaged electorate is essential to a vibrant democracy.
Responding, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended Amupitan for leading the INEC delegation to the palace and for providing information on preparations for the 2027 elections.
The Emir said the engagement had helped bring the people of the emirate up to date on the Commission’s plans and the election timetable.
The Emir urged INEC to ensure that sensitive materials and election equipment were delivered on time and that the devices to be deployed were thoroughly tested before being sent to polling locations.
He also stressed the importance of security, timely dissemination of information and prompt announcement of results in building public confidence in the electoral process.
Bamalli called on political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly during the campaign period, particularly by avoiding hate speech and other actions capable of threatening national unity.
