Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has declared that the Commission has no candidate and no political party to favour in the 2027 general elections, in a direct and unflinching reaffirmation of neutrality delivered during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, in Zaria, Kaduna State.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” Amupitan said at the palace of the 19th Emir of Zazzau on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The statement was posted on INEC’s official X platform and has since been reported by major Nigerian newspapers, including Vanguard, The Punch, The Sun, and the National Accord. The visit formed part of the Commission’s stakeholder engagement ahead of a planned interactive meeting with staff and a readiness assessment for the 2027 general election at the zonal level.
Amupitan was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, other special aides, and directors of the Commission. He described traditional institutions as important stakeholders in the electoral process because of their influence and grassroots reach, noting that elections are fundamentally about the social contract between citizens and those entrusted with public office. “Public trust is critical to the success of democracy,” he said.
The INEC chairman said the Commission had commenced preparations early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections in Nigeria. He said INEC had moved away from last-minute preparations and was testing, auditing, and strengthening its operational systems well ahead of the 2027 polls. “We are not waiting until the eve of the election to begin our preparations,” he said. “We are already in the field, assessing our readiness and engaging with stakeholders across the country.”
Amupitan also used the occasion to appeal to the Emir to use his influence to counsel political parties, candidates, and their supporters against violence and hate-driven campaigns. He said elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair but as a peaceful expression of citizens’ choices. He particularly urged traditional rulers to discourage young people from allowing themselves to be used for political violence and thuggery. “Our young people are the future of this country. They should not be used as instruments of destruction by politicians who will not be there to face the consequences,” he said.
The INEC chairman further called on eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process, including the forthcoming collection of their Permanent Voter Cards. He stressed that an informed and engaged electorate is essential to a vibrant democracy. “Your vote is your voice. If you do not collect your PVC and do not come out to vote, you have surrendered your voice to others,” he said.
Responding, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended Amupitan for leading the INEC delegation to the palace and for providing detailed information on preparations for the 2027 elections. He said the engagement had helped bring the people of the emirate up to date on the Commission’s plans and the election timetable. The Emir urged INEC to ensure that sensitive materials and election equipment were delivered on time and that the devices to be deployed were thoroughly tested before being sent to polling locations. He also stressed the importance of security, timely dissemination of information, and prompt announcement of results in building public confidence in the electoral process. “The credibility of the election depends on the credibility of the process,” the Emir said.
Bamalli called on political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly during the campaign period, particularly by avoiding hate speech and other actions capable of threatening national unity. He said traditional institutions would continue to support efforts aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and responsible political engagement across the state.
The visit to the Emir of Zazzau is part of a broader stakeholder engagement strategy by INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections, which are scheduled for January and February 2027. The Commission has been holding consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and political parties as part of efforts to build confidence in the electoral process. INEC has also been conducting zonal readiness assessments and training programmes for its staff across the country.
The reaffirmation of neutrality comes amid heightened political tension in the country, with political parties and candidates already positioning themselves for the 2027 contests. The ruling All Progressives Congress has unveiled its campaign council, while the opposition parties have been holding talks on forming a united front. The Independent National Electoral Commission has faced persistent criticism over its handling of past elections, with opposition parties accusing it of bias in favour of the ruling party. The Commission has consistently denied these allegations, insisting that it remains neutral and committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
Amupitan’s statement is a direct response to those who question INEC’s impartiality. By declaring that the Commission has no candidates and no political party to favour, he has drawn a clear line in the sand. Whether the Commission will live up to that declaration in 2027 remains to be seen. But for now, the message from the INEC chairman is unambiguous: the only interest the Commission serves is the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
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