The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that their votes will count in the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan gave the assurance 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, on Friday.
The INEC chairman led a delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and his technical aides.
Amupitan described Abubakar as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” noting that his transition to civilian rule in 1999 marked a defining moment in the country’s democratic history.
He said the commission regarded the former Head of State “not merely as a statesman but as a pillar of support for INEC.”
The INEC chairman also commended Abubakar’s role as Chairman of the National Peace Committee, describing its Peace Accord initiative as “a moralising influence on Nigeria’s political ecosystem.”
According to INEC, Amupitan said the initiative had provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence, thereby strengthening “the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.”
Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation” for Abubakar’s contributions to peaceful coexistence, peaceful elections and democratic stability, Amupitan also congratulated the former Head of State on his recent 84th birthday anniversary.
He assured Nigerians that, despite the challenges confronting the commission, INEC remained committed to conducting credible elections that reflect the will of the electorate.
“The Commission’s determination under my leadership was to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes would be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” describing this as “the core assurance INEC owed the electorate.”
Amupitan also formally confirmed the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
According to INEC, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
In his remarks, Abubakar called on Nigerians to support INEC in its efforts to deliver peaceful, credible and transparent elections in 2027.
