Professor Joash Amupitan, who serves as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called upon traditional rulers to encourage citizens to pick up their Permanent Voter Cards. He also stressed the importance of standing firmly against vote-buying and electoral violence as the country prepares for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the appeal during a visit to Enugu State on Monday, October 19, as part of the commission’s nationwide assessment of its preparedness for the elections.
According to a statement published on INEC’s X handle, the chairman also charged electoral officials to maintain strict neutrality, warning that the commission would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining the credibility of the polls.
“We expect absolute neutrality,” Amupitan told staff, emphasising that electoral officers must remain non-partisan in both their words and actions.
He said the commission was strengthening its operational capacity through the procurement of election materials and vehicles, facility upgrades, staff training and improved logistics.
The statement said some sensitive election materials had started arriving, while contracts had been awarded for the upgrade of facilities ahead of the polls.
Amupitan also disclosed that training programmes would soon commence to prepare personnel for their responsibilities, particularly in view of changes introduced by the new Electoral Act and the commission’s guidelines and regulations for the 2027 elections.
According to the statement, INEC is developing training materials that staff can access beyond face-to-face sessions, while selected personnel will serve as trainers for other election workers.
The chairman described the 2027 election as more than another date on the electoral calendar, saying it would be a critical test of the commission’s preparedness.
He stressed that “professionalism, accountability and effective result management” were essential to rebuilding public confidence in the electoral process, while warning that misconduct capable of compromising the polls would not be tolerated.
As part of the visit, Amupitan led national commissioners and senior management officials to meet the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, to seek the support of traditional institutions ahead of the elections.
The INEC chairman urged the royal fathers to mobilise residents to collect their PVCs, sensitise communities against voter apathy and vote-selling, and encourage political parties, candidates and youth groups to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and electoral violence.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to “neutrality, transparency and procedural fairness”, assuring voters that every valid vote cast in Enugu State and across the South-East would be accurately reflected in the final results.
On election security, Amupitan said INEC’s collaboration with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security was producing positive results.
He disclosed that suspects linked to the kidnapping of corps members serving as ad hoc election personnel had recently been arrested, adding that the Department of State Services was expected to arraign those implicated within the week.
Responding, Asadu welcomed the INEC delegation and pledged the support and prayers of traditional rulers for the commission’s leadership and the successful conduct of the 2027 elections.
The traditional ruler described election management as a demanding national responsibility and urged INEC officials to remain focused. He also encouraged Nigerians to embrace change and contribute to strengthening democracy.
Asadu further said he had been encouraging members of his community to collect their PVCs, underscoring the importance of voter participation in the forthcoming polls.
What You Should Know
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is stepping up its preparations for the 2027 general elections by actively partnering with traditional institutions. During a visit to Enugu State, the INEC chairman urged royal fathers to use their influence to rally community members, campaign against voter apathy, and reject electoral malpractices like vote-selling.
- Positive Impact: Greater involvement of traditional leaders can boost voter turnout, encourage peaceful participation, and increase public trust in the electoral process.
- Potential Concerns: Electoral fraud, voter apathy, and security threats such as violence or intimidation remain major challenges that require continuous vigilance from security agencies and election officials.
