Nigeria's INEC vows every vote counted in 2027 elections

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has repeatedly assured Nigerians that every valid ballot cast in the 2027 general elections will be counted. He announced the election timetable – presidential and National Assembly polls on 16 January 2027 and governorship and State Assembly elections on 6 February 2027 – during a courtesy visit to former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar in Minna, Niger State. Amupitan praised Abubakar as “the father of democracy” and highlighted the National Peace Committee’s Peace Accord initiative as a moral influence that promotes non‑violence during campaigns.

The commission is also urging impartiality and fairness from political parties, seeking support from all stakeholders and reminding the public that the integrity of the vote depends on their cooperation. INEC staff have been warned that the world, including the African Union and international election observers, is watching Nigeria’s electoral process, and they were called to work with integrity, self‑lessness and professionalism. The commission announced reward and sanction policies for staff performance and a review of welfare packages to improve morale.

In parallel, INEC continues its logistical preparations: improving transport fleets, upgrading state offices, and conducting stakeholder meetings across the country (e.g., Imo REC gathering). The body has also emphasized voter registration, issuing a final reminder that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise ends on 26 July 2026 and urging eligible citizens to complete registration online or at designated centres. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for extending the registration period to at least 90 days before the elections, citing the need for broader participation.