The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that it has no preferred candidate or political party ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Chairman Professor Josiah Amupitan made this known on Tuesday, August 18, while speaking at the National Peace Accord preceding the election.
INEC’s Neutrality Reaffirmed
Amupitan, a professor of law, allayed fears of partiality, stating unequivocally, “INEC has no interest in who wins or loses any election. The commission does not have a candidate, nor does it favour any political platform.” This assurance comes as political activities intensify across Nigeria.
The INEC boss urged political players to conduct their campaigns peacefully, saying, “Let the 2027 election campaign be a marketplace of ideas, not a theatre of war.” He emphasized that Nigerian voters deserve better than insults, adding, “Nigerians do not want insults; they want solutions. They deserve to hear clear, concrete, and measurable manifestos.”
Preparation and Logistics
Amupitan provided updates on the commission’s readiness, stating, “I am pleased to report that our preparations for the 2027 elections are progressing with absolute precision. We are scaling our operational logistics to manage a massive nationwide ad hoc workforce of 1.4 million personnel across over 176,000 polling units.”
This logistical scale-up is part of INEC’s commitment to building on past achievements and ensuring a credible electoral process. The chairman reassured Nigerians that the commission would work diligently to deliver free, fair, and transparent elections.
Call for Issue-Based Campaigns
Amupitan’s remarks at the National Peace Accord underscore a broader call for decorum in political discourse. He stressed that campaigns should focus on concrete proposals rather than personal attacks, a message directed at all political actors.
The National Peace Accord, which brings together political stakeholders, aims to foster a peaceful environment before, during, and after the elections. INEC’s stance reinforces its role as an impartial umpire, with the chairman’s statements serving as a clear warning against any expectation of favouritism.
As the 2027 presidential election approaches, INEC’s preparations, including the deployment of 1.4 million ad hoc staff to 176,000 polling units, indicate a robust framework for voter participation. The commission’s commitment to neutrality is expected to bolster public confidence in the electoral process.
