INEC restates commitment to strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process

*Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, at a leadership workshop in Lagos, reiterates the Commission’s commitment to renewing public confidence in the electoral process, as it begins early strategic preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections, and 2027 General Elections

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process, as the Commission begins early strategic preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections, and the 2027 General Elections.

Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of INEC, stated this Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at a Leadership Workshop, which the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) organised for INEC leadership.

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The three-day forum holds from January 13−15 this year, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, in Ikeja, Lagos State.

In his remarks on the first day of the programme, Prof. Amupitan described the workshop as timely.

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He noted that the Commission is navigating a critical period of leadership transition marked by changes at the top and the retirement of several Directors and Senior Management Staff after years of distinguished service to the country.

Amupitan asserted that institutional continuity must be anchored on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership and unity of vision, rather than the mere preservation of structures.

Continuity, he opined, does not imply sameness but the ability to faithfully carry forward INEC’s constitutional mandate while adapting to emerging realities with insight and resolve.

Looking ahead to the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Elections, the INEC Chairman said Nigerians would expect an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct and credible in its outcomes.

Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity, in a bulletin released Tuesday, said the Chairman of INEC also noted these expectations informed the Commission’s ongoing induction and strategic retreat aimed at setting a clear direction for 2027 and beyond.

Prof. Amupitan acknowledged that despite significant reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023, public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile.

He, however, cautioned that democracy could not thrive without trust.

Misinformation and disinformation have increasingly undermined confidence in elections, stated he.

The Commission noted Amupitan said: “In an era where fake news travels faster than the truth, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against orchestrated falsehoods even before the first vote is cast.”

The Chairman further reiterated that under his leadership, the Commission remains firmly committed to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines.

According to him, rebuilding public confidence is a daily operational responsibility that guides every decision of the Commission.

Prof. Amupitan also the leadership workshop, which attracted the Chairman and all National Commissioners, reflects INEC’s belief in collective leadership and shared responsibility in addressing electoral risks, while taking emerging opportunities.

Speaking at the event also, Mr. Seray Jah, IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, said the workshop marked the early strategic phase of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 General Elections.

Jah stressed the credibility of elections is largely shaped by decisions taken early in the electoral cycle.

The IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria said IFES had partnered with INEC since 1998 in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system through support for strategic planning, election operations, technology deployment, institutional reform and inclusion.

According to him, the workshop provides INEC’s leadership with an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges, including increasingly complex logistics, the responsible use of technology, misinformation and AI-driven risks, internal coordination, and public confidence in a highly polarised environment.

Jah as well restated IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 electoral cycle and beyond, while also acknowledging the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in promoting electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.

The Commission related that the three-day workshop attracted its National Commissioners, Senior Management Staff, and international partners to deliberate on strategic opportunities and challenges in electoral administration, with a focus on leadership, institutional resilience and public trust.

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