The head of Nigeria’s electoral commission has admitted that public confidence in the country’s voting system remains “fragile” as the body begins its formal preparations for the 2027 general election.
Professor Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), made the remarks on Tuesday at a strategic leadership workshop in Lagos. The three-day event, supported by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), marks the early planning phase for the next major national polls and upcoming regional elections in 2026.
Prof. Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the commission is currently navigating a period of “leadership transition” following the retirement of several veteran directors.
The battle against ‘fake news’
In a frank assessment of the challenges facing the body, the chairman highlighted the damaging impact of digital misinformation.
“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,” Professor Amupitan told National Commissioners and international partners.
He warned that while reforms were made between 2015 and 2023, the commission must work daily to regain the trust of a skeptical public.
Strategy for 2027
The workshop aims to set a “clear direction” for the 2027 cycle, focusing on:
- Independence: Ensuring the body remains free from political interference.
- Technology: Managing the responsible use of electronic systems and AI-driven risks.
- Logistics: Addressing the complex delivery of materials across Nigeria’s 36 states.
- Institutional Continuity: Maintaining a unified vision during senior staff turnovers.
International support
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and IFES are among the international partners supporting the reform process.
Mr Seray Jah, IFES Country Director for Nigeria, emphasised that the credibility of a general election is largely determined by decisions made years in advance.
“The workshop provides INEC’s leadership with an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges… in a highly polarised environment,” Mr Jah said, reaffirming international commitment to Nigeria’s democratic governance.
Professor Amupitan concluded by pledging that the 2027 polls would be conducted in “strict compliance” with the Electoral Act, insisting that inclusive and transparent outcomes remain the commission’s primary mandate.
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