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As Amupitan harps on restoring confidence in electoral system,
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general election, former Head of State and Chairman, National Peace Committee, NPC, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, retd, has called for a sustained collaboration, restraint and responsible conduct from political actors, institutions and citizens alike.
Abdulsalami made the call on Monday at the Stakeholder Briefing and Presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the NPC at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
Represented by the Convener of the Peace Committee and Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev (Dr.) Mathew Hassan Kukah, the former Head of State made it emphatically clear that the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s democracy rests with everybody.
His words, “The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests with all of us”.
He therefore called for “sustained collaboration, restraint and responsible conduct from political actors, institutions and citizens alike”.
Abdulsalami reaffirmed the Committee’s (NPC’s) commitment to providing a neutral platform for dialogue, mediation and confidence-building.
He noted that since 2015, the Peace Accord has served as a stabilising instrument in Nigeria’s electoral process.
He described the Annotated Peace Accord as a strengthened framework designed to provide clarity, guidance and preventive engagement among stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN,
appealed to the National Peace Committee (NPC) and other critical stakeholders to intensify efforts to rebuild public trust and strengthen peaceful participation in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Amupitan, in his remarks, underscored the urgency of restoring confidence in the electoral system, describing the prevailing trust deficit as a major concern for the Commission.
According to him, “So for us, we appeal to the National Peace Committee to help us in the area of building trust. The trust deficit is such that anywhere you go, it’s palpable.
“If voters will not participate, then whoever emerges… it is also in our own interest that everybody continues to participate. We’ll get it right one day,” he said.
He noted that virtually all the members Commission, except for those who were out of town, as well as relevant directors and other senior management staff of INEC were at the engagement, signalling the seriousness with which the Commission treats issues concerning elections and democratic consolidation.
The INEC Chairman described Nigeria’s electoral landscape as diverse, complex and highly competitive, stressing that democratic growth must be anchored not only on legality but also legitimacy.
“Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,” he stated.
The Commission, he pointed out, remains open to scrutiny and constructive criticism. “Constitutionally, INEC is the custodian of Nigerian democracy and elections. Whatever comments are made, we don’t get angry. We take them, process them and see how we can improve.”
Prof. Amupitan emphasised that while INEC continues to refine its processes, the responsibility of credible elections cannot rest on the Commission alone.
He called on political parties to strengthen voter mobilisation and internal discipline, noting that sustained civic engagement is vital to reversing declining turnout.
Amupitan expressed concern about low voter turnout in recent elections, noting that broad-based confidence in the system is essential for democratic legitimacy.
The Chairman also highlighted steps taken by the Commission to improve results management and address public concerns around transparency.
Without disclosing operational details, he stated that additional safeguards had been introduced to ensure consistency and accuracy in results handling, adding that these measures were tested in recent elections.
On misinformation, Prof. Amupita warned that the spread of false narratives during elections undermines public confidence and can inflame tensions.
He disclosed that the Commission works closely with security agencies and relevant institutions to counter disinformation and ensure factual reporting of electoral processes.
Addressing the issue of electoral offences, particularly vote trading, the INEC Chairman reiterated that such practices remain criminal under Nigerian law and must be dealt with decisively.
He urged law enforcement agencies to conclude investigations promptly and pursue prosecution where necessary.
The Commission, he said, is also prioritising the sanitisation of the voter register, acknowledging concerns about duplications and outdated records. According to him, ensuring an authentic and credible register remains a foundational element of credible elections.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, Prof. Amupitan described them as critical milestones on the road to 2027.
He disclosed that INEC is considering additional technology testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units, to further strengthen operational preparedness.
He also appealed for the timely release of election funds in accordance with the amended legal provisions, stressing that early access to resources is crucial for procurement, logistics and overall planning.
The event brought together leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies, and civil society organizations, underscoring broad-based commitment to peaceful and credible elections.
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