The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stark warning, stating that public confidence in Nigeria's electoral system remains fragile and vulnerable. This admission comes as the commission begins its early strategic planning for the crucial 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Election.
Leadership Transition and the Quest for Credibility
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, raised the pressing concern on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at a leadership workshop in Abuja. The event was organized by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). Amupitan highlighted that the workshop was timely, occurring during a significant period of leadership transition within INEC. This transition includes changes at the top level and the retirement of several long-serving directors and senior management staff.
He emphasized that for the commission to maintain its course, institutional continuity must be built on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership, and a unified vision. He clarified that continuity does not mean resisting change but represents the commission's ability to faithfully execute its constitutional mandate while adapting to new realities.
High Public Expectations and the Threat of Misinformation
Looking ahead to the forthcoming elections, Professor Amupitan outlined the high expectations of the Nigerian people. Citizens demand an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct, and credible in its outcomes. These expectations are driving INEC's ongoing induction programs and strategic retreats aimed at charting a clear path for 2027 and beyond.
While acknowledging the significant electoral reforms implemented between 2015 and 2023, the INEC Chairman made a sobering admission: public trust in the electoral process remains weak. He warned that a healthy democracy cannot flourish without this fundamental confidence.
A major obstacle, according to Amupitan, is the pervasive spread of misinformation and disinformation. "In an era where fake news travels faster than the truth, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against orchestrated falsehoods even before the first vote is cast," he stated. He reaffirmed INEC's commitment to conducting free, fair, and inclusive elections in strict compliance with the law, noting that rebuilding public trust is a daily operational duty guiding every decision.
Early Strategic Planning with International Partners
The IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Seray Jah, addressed the workshop, marking it as the early strategic phase of preparations for the 2027 polls. Jah stressed that the credibility of elections is largely determined by decisions made early in the electoral cycle.
He noted that IFES has partnered with INEC since 1998 to strengthen Nigeria's electoral system through support in strategic planning, technology deployment, and institutional reform. The three-day workshop provided a platform for INEC's national commissioners and senior staff to deliberate on emerging challenges, including:
- Complex election logistics.
- The responsible use of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven risks.
- Combating misinformation.
- Ensuring internal coordination.
- Sustaining public confidence in a politically polarized environment.
The gathering underscored INEC's belief in collective leadership and shared responsibility in identifying electoral risks and seizing opportunities to enhance the integrity of future votes.
