Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said the credibility of the 2027 general election will largely hinge on its ability to win the confidence of millions of young Nigerians who will be voting for the first time.
INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, made this known in Lagos while delivering his opening address at the commission’s 2026 induction and strategic retreat for national commissioners, resident electoral commissioners and senior officials.
According to Amupitan, the 2027 polls will be shaped by a new generation of voters — digitally savvy young Nigerians who are deeply sceptical of institutions and demand openness in real time.
“In pursuing this mandate, we must recognise that 2027 will be defined by a new demographic of Nigerians — millions of young citizens who will be approaching the ballot box for the very first time,” he said.
“These are digital natives who demand transparency in real-time and have little patience for opacity. It is our duty to prove to these tech-savvy, and often sceptical, young voters that INEC can be trusted.”
He said that by building inclusive electoral systems and deploying credible technology, INEC would not only be organising an election but also securing the long-term faith of Nigeria’s future voters in the democratic process.
Amupitan noted that INEC’s preparations for 2027 would be tested through key elections ahead, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council polls scheduled for February 2026, as well as the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
“These elections are not just routine exercises; they are the testing grounds for our resolve and our readiness,” he said.
He explained that the exercises would help the commission fine-tune critical processes such as voter register management and the use of the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS).
The INEC chairman outlined five “non-negotiable” pillars guiding the commission’s work — elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and its amendments, warning that under his leadership, the rule of law would be firmly upheld.
“The rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system,” Amupitan said.
Expressing confidence in the commission’s capacity to deliver credible polls, he said the 2027 general election must mark a turning point in Nigeria’s electoral history and position INEC as a model for the continent.
“The 2027 general election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history,” he said.
“Together, we will restore and uphold the trust of the Nigerian people.”
