INEC Chairman Amupitan Seeks Media Collaboration to Overcome Trust Deficit for 2027 Elections
In a significant admission, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN), has acknowledged that the commission faces a substantial "trust deficit" among Nigerian citizens. He made this statement during a courtesy visit by the executive committee of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, marking the first formal meeting between the commission's leadership and press corps executives since his appointment in 2025.
Call for Media Partnership to Enhance Electoral Transparency
Amupitan commended journalists for their professional support and emphasized that INEC remains acutely aware of the skepticism often held by the electorate. He urged the media to partner with the commission in ensuring that the transparency of the electoral process is effectively communicated to over 200 million Nigerians. This collaboration is seen as crucial for reshaping the narrative ahead of the 2027 general elections, as INEC ramps up preparations for numerous high-stakes polls under a revised electoral roadmap following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
EFCC's Proactive Stance Against Vote-Buying
Simultaneously, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, announced that the commission will not wait until Election Day in 2027 to begin taking action against vote-buying. Speaking on Wednesday when the President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), Mike Ejiofor, led a delegation to the EFCC office in Jabi, Abuja, Olukoyede highlighted the commission's role in combating electoral fraud.
He noted that EFCC has already secured an impressive number of convictions related to vote-buying and stressed the importance of contingent planning and intelligence gathering to tackle fraudulent actors in the electoral process. As an alumnus of AANISS, Olukoyede also urged members to champion national security, pointing out the strong nexus between national security, financial crimes, and corruption, which makes collaboration between EFCC and AANISS compelling.
Press Corps Praises INEC's Management
The Chairman of the INEC Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, who led the delegation, praised Amupitan for the "transparent manner" in which he has managed the commission since assuming office. Ojumu described Nigerian elections as a "huge logistical challenge" that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders to succeed, underscoring the importance of media involvement in fostering public trust and ensuring electoral integrity.
This meeting underscores the critical role of media and anti-corruption agencies in building confidence in Nigeria's electoral system as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
