The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has promised to make the 2027 general election a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Amupitan spoke in Lagos yesterday at the opening ceremony for an induction, orientation, and retreat for new and current National Commissioners from across the country.
The chairman, who was meeting most of the commissioners for the first time, said he aims to make INEC the top election management body in Africa, adding that under his leadership, the commission would deliver free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.
The retreat, hosted by Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Ayobami Salami, aims to align the commission’s leadership with its goals before the next elections.
Speaking to participants, the INEC chairman called the retreat a critical way to coordinate strategies and connect experience with the changing needs of elections. He said that since taking office on October 23, 2025, he has been impressed by the professionalism and dedication of INEC staff across the country.
“We are here not just as election officials, but as guardians of the Nigerian people’s will,” Amupitan said. He added that the retreat is meant to build the commission’s leadership as preparations for the 2027 general election increase.
He praised INEC staff for their peaceful and professional work during the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election on November 8, 2025, calling it a strong start to his time as chairman. He said the successful election showed the commission is ready for bigger challenges ahead.
Amupitan said the 2027 general election is INEC’s primary goal, but noted there are essential steps before then, such as the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections in February 2026 and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
“These elections are more than routine; they test our determination and readiness,” he said. He explained that they will help improve voter registry management, logistics, and the reliability of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The INEC chairman listed five key principles for the commission: staying independent, being fair to all candidates and parties, ensuring credibility, being transparent at every stage, and including all Nigerians, such as people with disabilities and those in remote areas.
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Amupitan highlighted young voters, saying that millions of first-time voters in 2027 are used to digital technology and expect high levels of transparency and accountability.
“We must show these tech-savvy and often sceptical young voters that INEC is trustworthy,” he said. He added that reliable technology and inclusive systems will help earn their lasting trust in democracy.
Drawing on his experience as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the chairman assured stakeholders that the commission will strictly adhere to the laws governing elections. He stressed that the Electoral Act 2022 and its amendments will be applied with “surgical precision.”
“With me in charge, the rule of law is not just advice; it is how we operate,” he said.
Amupitan said that retreat participants will discuss 17 topics, including logistics, staff management, ongoing voter registration, election security, working with other agencies, political party rules, internal party democracy, and campaign finance transparency. He said these talks are essential for resolving ongoing issues, such as hiring temporary staff and organizing transport on election day.
With Nigerians and the world watching, the INEC chairman warned that the work ahead will be challenging and closely examined. However, he said the commission has a unique chance to change the country’s electoral history.
“Our success in 2027 should not just be a win for Nigeria; it should set a standard for the whole continent,” he said. He wants INEC to become a global example of election integrity and technology.
He also promised to support staff welfare, but warned that any misconduct or violation of values would have consequences.
“There is no place for misconduct, whether by action or inaction,” he said. He encouraged commissioners to use the retreat to build unity, communicate openly, and give helpful feedback.
Earlier, welcoming participants to Lagos, the host and Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, underscored the importance of early planning, strategic coordination, and institutional cohesion as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general election.
Salami said the retreat is meant to improve technical skills, strengthen relationships among commissioners, and encourage the sharing of ideas within the commission.
“These well-planned sessions will help us learn more and give us the tools we need to do our jobs well and with integrity,” he said.
He added that, in addition to technical talks, the retreat gives colleagues a chance to connect and share ideas, helping INEC work better as a team.
The retreat will continue with private sessions focused on improving INEC’s readiness and leadership before the upcoming elections.