By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s electoral umpire has sought to reassure voters of its independence, with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, vowing that neither the President nor state governors will influence the conduct or outcome of the 2026 and 2027 elections.
Amupitan made the pledge while speaking on the commission’s preparations for upcoming off-cycle and general elections, amid persistent public concerns over political interference in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“The President and governors will not influence the 2026 and 2027 elections,” he said, stressing that INEC remains constitutionally empowered to operate without pressure from the executive arm of government at either federal or state level.
According to the INEC chairman, the commission is strengthening internal safeguards, improving transparency and leveraging technology to ensure credible polls that reflect the will of the electorate.
He added that INEC officials had been repeatedly reminded of their duty to remain neutral and professional, warning that any staff found colluding with political actors would face strict sanctions.
The remarks come as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and civil society groups frequently accusing incumbents of using state power to tilt the electoral field.
INEC has faced criticism in the past over alleged irregularities, but Amupitan insisted that the commission is committed to rebuilding public trust and delivering elections that meet both domestic and international standards.
Analysts say the chairman’s statement is likely aimed at calming fears among voters and political stakeholders, as Nigeria prepares for another critical electoral cycle in Africa’s most populous nation.
