2027: INEC admits trust deficit, pledges credible elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission has acknowledged a growing trust deficit among Nigerians and says it is taking steps to rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made the remark on Friday while monitoring the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in some local government areas of Akwa Ibom State after a three-day workshop of the commission in Ikot Ekpene.

Speaking to staff at the commission’s office in Uyo, Amupitan said INEC was aware of the concerns many Nigerians have about the electoral process and was determined to restore public trust.

“As we build up to 2027, I want to announce that we are in it together to serve Nigeria and strengthen democracy,” he said.

“INEC is already having a trust deficit. So whatever we are doing in Abuja, we have to cascade it here. We should work hard to restore the trust.”

The INEC chairman urged staff of the commission to carry out their duties with honesty and professionalism, noting that their actions now would shape the credibility of the 2027 elections.

“What we owe Nigerians is free, fair and credible elections. Let their expectations be met. We want Nigerians to begin to believe in INEC that whoever emerges is the will of the people,” he added.

Amupitan also disclosed that the commission would collaborate with the National Population Commission and other relevant agencies to identify Nigerians who have reached voting age and encourage them to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

He further revealed that INEC plans to revalidate the voter register to ensure accurate records of eligible voters.

“We will sanitise the register so that those who have died or whose names are not supposed to be there will be removed,” he said.

The INEC boss also called on all commission staff to actively promote voter registration rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the Voter Education and Publicity Unit.

While monitoring the CVR exercise in Ikot Ekpene, Amupitan received complaints about network disruptions and login difficulties but assured that the issues would be resolved.

He expressed satisfaction with the turnout for the registration exercise, particularly among young people, and urged for increased voter education across the state.

Amupitan also tasked the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Obo Effanga, with intensifying awareness campaigns to encourage more youths to register.

Effanga, in his remarks, thanked the INEC chairman for visiting the state and interacting with staff, pledging that the commission in the state would work diligently to deliver credible elections in 2027.