2027: We Have No Candidate, No Party to Favour — INEC Reaffirms Neutrality, Transparency

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general election, stating that INEC has no candidate or political party to favour.

Amupitan made the statement during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of INEC’s stakeholder engagement and preparations for the 2027 elections.

The INEC chairman described traditional institutions as key stakeholders in the electoral process, citing their influence and reach across communities. He also stressed the importance of public trust in strengthening democracy.

According to him, the commission began preparations early because of the scale and complexity of conducting elections across the country. He said INEC was testing, auditing and strengthening its systems ahead of the polls rather than waiting until the last minute.

Amupitan assured the Emir that the commission would remain committed to neutrality, fairness and transparency.

“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” he said.

He added that INEC would continue engaging traditional rulers and other stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 General Election intensify.