By Kingston Magare 9.1.2026
Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Joash Amupitan said his vision for the 2027 general elections is to make it free, fair and credible elections that will be talked about in Africa.
Prof. Amupitan was speaking in Lagos Friday during a retreat organised for top level INEC officials. He said Nigeria has an opportunity to rewrite history and set a new benchmark for election conduct in Africa.
Mr Amupitan said, “The eyes of over 200 million Nigerians and indeed the entire continent are upon us. I charge you today to brace yourselves. The work ahead is demanding, the hours will be long, and the scrutiny will be intense.
“We have a golden opportunity to rewrite the history of elections in Nigeria. Our goal is clear. The 2027 general election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history.”
He added that with credible and undisputed elections the INEC can become a globally recognised institution.
The INEC chief added, “We must aim even higher. I want us to build an institution that is recognised globally. Let it be said that under our watch, INEC became the best election management body in Africa —a beacon of integrity, a model of technological efficiency, and a fortress of democratic values.”
“Our mandate, which we should pursue rigorously, is built on five non-negotiable pillars,” stated Mr Amupitan. “We are here to organise elections that are free from any form of interference; fair to all contestants and political parties; credible in the eyes of the global community; transparent in every process, from polling units to result collation; and inclusive of every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability or location.”