The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote will count in the 2027 General Election, pledging that the Commission will uphold the will of the electorate despite mounting political pressures.
Prof. Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
He said restoring and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process remains a top priority for the Commission, stressing that Nigerians should be able to cast their ballots with the confidence that their votes will determine election outcomes.“INEC is determined to ensure that the will of the Nigerian people, as expressed through the ballot, prevails,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman also confirmed the election timetable, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Commending General Abdulsalami’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, Amupitan described him as a pillar of democracy whose National Peace Committee has helped promote peaceful elections through its peace accord initiative.
In his response, General Abdulsalami urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to support INEC, noting that the success of Nigeria’s democracy depends on public trust and cooperation with the electoral body.
He described the position of the INEC chairman as one of the most demanding public offices in the country and expressed confidence in Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, urging him to remain impartial and steadfast in delivering credible elections.The former Head of State also pledged his continued support and prayers for the Commission ahead of the 2027 polls.
Earlier, during an interactive session with INEC staff in Niger State, Prof. Amupitan charged electoral officers to uphold integrity and professionalism, describing them as the Commission’s frontline ambassadors.
He also disclosed that INEC is reviewing staff welfare packages to improve working conditions and enhance service delivery ahead of the 2027 general election.