The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its neutrality ahead of the 2027 general election, saying it has no candidate or political party to favour.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made this known during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of the commission’s stakeholder engagement and preparations for the 2027 polls.
The visit was also linked to INEC’s planned interactive meeting with staff and its zonal readiness assessment.
Amupitan was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, Special Aides and other senior officials.
He described traditional rulers as key stakeholders because of their influence and reach in their communities.
The INEC chairman said elections were about the social contract between citizens and those given public office, stressing that public trust was vital to democracy.
He said INEC started preparations early due to the size and complexity of elections across Nigeria, adding that the commission was testing, auditing and strengthening its systems instead of waiting until the last minute.
“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.
Amupitan added that INEC would keep engaging traditional institutions and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
