The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct a free, transparent and credible election in the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan said this on Friday at INEC’s Induction and Strategic Retreat for national commissioners, the secretary to the commission, resident electoral commissioners, administrative secretaries and directors, held in Lagos.
He said the responsibility before the commission was enormous, noting that public expectations were very high.
“The eyes of over 200 million Nigerians and the entire continent are upon us. The work ahead is demanding, the hours will be long and the scrutiny will be intense,” he said.
According to him, the 2027 general elections must mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“The 2027 general election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s history. But we must even aim higher,” Amupitan said.
He said the commission should strive to build an institution with global recognition.
“I want us to build an institution that is globally recognised, let it be 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,” he said.
The INEC chairman charged staff of the commission to work towards delivering a world-class electoral process.
“Our success in 2027 must be more than a national victory. It must be a continental standard, a proof-of-concept that demonstrates that INEC can indeed conduct a world-class technology-driven and transparent election that is beyond reproach,” Amupitan said.
He stressed that the commission would not tolerate misconduct in any form.
Amupitan said there would be no room for misconduct, whether by omission or commission.
