The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general election will count.
The assurance was made when INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), led National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides on a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), at his residence in Minna, Niger State, on Friday.
Amupitan described Abdulsalami as one of the leading figures in Nigeria’s democratic journey, saying his transition programme paved the way for the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999. He also acknowledged the former Head of State’s support for the electoral body and his role in promoting peaceful elections through the National Peace Committee.
The INEC chairman said the committee’s Peace Accord initiative had, over the years, provided political actors with an avenue to commit themselves to non-violence, helping to safeguard the wishes of the electorate.
He said the visit was an expression of appreciation for Abdulsalami’s contributions to peaceful coexistence, credible elections and democratic stability. Amupitan also congratulated the elder statesman on his 84th birthday.
Speaking on preparations for future elections, the INEC chairman said the commission would remain committed to ensuring that the wishes of Nigerians, as expressed through the ballot, prevail despite the pressures that accompany election management.
He said the commission’s goal was to give every Nigerian the confidence to participate in elections with the assurance that each valid vote would be counted and reflected in the final result.
Amupitan also announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State House of Assembly elections would take place on February 6, 2027.
Responding, Abdulsalami described the office of the INEC chairman as one of the country’s most demanding public responsibilities because of the differing expectations of political actors.
He urged Nigerians to support the commission and its leadership, saying the country’s democracy depends on the confidence and cooperation of citizens and political stakeholders.
The former Head of State also expressed confidence in Amupitan’s leadership, urging him to remain firm and impartial in carrying out his responsibilities. He assured the commission of his continued support and prayers as preparations continue for the 2027 general election.
Amupitan thanked Abdulsalami for his goodwill toward the commission and restated INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections.
Earlier, the INEC chairman met with staff at the commission’s Niger State office, where he reminded them that public trust in the electoral process rests largely on their conduct.
He described members of staff as the commission’s grassroots foot soldiers and urged Electoral Officers and other field personnel to see themselves as ambassadors of INEC while discharging their duties.
Amupitan also disclosed that the commission was reviewing staff welfare packages after observing, on assumption of office, that existing welfare conditions ranked among the poorest in the public service.