The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its goal of conducting free, fair, and credible elections that will be a reference point in Africa must be actualised in 2027.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said this while delivering his opening address at the commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat organised for its leadership and senior officials in Lagos on Friday, January 9, 2026.
The event was attended by INEC Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners as well as administrative secretaries, directors, and top management staff across Nigeria.
Amupitan said the commission has an opportunity to rewrite the history of elections in Nigeria and set a new benchmark for election management in Africa.
Amupitan said: “The eyes of over 200 million Nigerians and indeed the entire continent are upon us.
“I charge you today to brace yourselves. The work ahead is demanding, the hours will be long, and the scrutiny will be intense.
“We have a golden opportunity to rewrite the history of elections in Nigeria. Our goal is clear: The 2027 general election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history.
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“But we must aim even higher. I want us to build an institution that is recognised globally.
“Let it be said 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.”
Reaffirming his commitment to staff welfare, Amupitan promised tools and the environment to succeed.
He added: “But I must also reiterate that any compromise on our values or processes will have consequences.
“There is no room for misconduct, whether by omission or commission.”
The INEC chairman noted that before the 2027 general election, the electoral umpire would conduct several critical polls, including the FCT Area Council Elections in February 2026 and the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, describing them as testing grounds for the commission’s preparedness.
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