Your votes will count in 2027, INEC chairman assures Nigerians

INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, visits former head of state, Gen. abdulsalami Abubakar

Nigeria: The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has reaffirmed the commission's commitment to conducting a transparent and credible 2027 general election, assuring Nigerians that every legitimate vote will determine the outcome of the polls.

Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State. He led an INEC delegation that included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides.

Addressing the former military leader, the INEC chairman described Abdulsalami as "the father of democracy in Nigeria," noting that his leadership in overseeing the country's return to civilian rule in 1999 remains one of the defining milestones in Nigeria's democratic journey.

He said the electoral commission regarded the elder statesman "not merely as a statesman but as a pillar of support for INEC," acknowledging his consistent contributions to democratic governance.

Amupitan also praised Abdulsalami's stewardship of the National Peace Committee, describing its Peace Accord initiative as "a moralising influence on Nigeria's political ecosystem." According to him, the initiative has encouraged political stakeholders to embrace peaceful campaigns and reject violence, reinforcing "the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people."

Describing the visit as "a pilgrimage of appreciation," the INEC chairman said it was intended to honour Abdulsalami's enduring commitment to peaceful coexistence, credible elections and democratic stability. He also felicitated the former Head of State on his recent 84th birthday.

Amid growing public expectations ahead of the next general election, Amupitan stressed that, despite the challenges and pressures facing the electoral body, INEC would remain steadfast in protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

He assured Nigerians that the commission's focus would remain on ensuring that the outcome of the 2027 elections truly reflects the choices made by citizens at the ballot box.