The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has declared that his loyalty is solely to the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan gave the assurance on November 12, while responding to questions about his political neutrality during a high-level dialogue at Chatham House in London.
The event was organised in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) under the theme, “Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot.”
His comments came amid controversy surrounding an X account allegedly linked to him, which reportedly published a partisan message supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections.
INEC had earlier denied that the chairman operated the account, describing the allegations as digital impersonation.
Addressing the controversy, Amupitan said he never operated an X account. He disclosed that an independent forensic review had been obtained and the matter referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police for investigation.
“My loyalty is solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act,” he declared.
“Every constitutional institution, including the Presidency, the National Assembly and state governors, owes its primary loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Amupitan Defends His Political Neutrality
The INEC chairman also dismissed concerns that his previous legal representation in political disputes could undermine his impartiality.
He explained that his involvement in such cases before his appointment was strictly in his professional capacity as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Amupitan urged Nigerians to trust his leadership to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027, pointing to improvements recorded in recent off-cycle elections.
He acknowledged that controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election had significantly damaged public confidence in the electoral commission.
According to him, INEC has learnt important lessons from subsequent elections, including the governorship polls in Anambra and Osun states, where results were declared the day after voting.
INEC Identifies Priorities for 2027 Elections
Amupitan identified insecurity, logistics and result management as the commission’s three major priorities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said INEC had introduced new technical safeguards to prevent inaccurate election results and figures indicating over-voting from being uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
The chairman also addressed allegations of irregularities in the voter register, including claims of an 85 per cent increase in registered voters in a ward in Ebonyi State.
He said the commission had investigated and resolved the complaint in line with statutory procedures.
Amupitan further urged young Nigerians to remain actively involved in the democratic process and guard against misinformation.
He warned that spreading unverified information could undermine public confidence and democratic development.
The INEC chairman advised citizens to verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
