INEC Chairman seeks media support to bridge ‘trust deficit’

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has admitted that the commission faces a significant “trust deficit” with the public, with a call on the media to help reshape the national narrative ahead of a busy cycle of polls.

Prof Amupitan, SAN, said this in his remarks while playing host to the members of the Executive Committee of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja, led by its Chairman, Mr Segun Ojumu.

It was the first formal meeting between the commission’s leadership and the specialized media group since Professor Amupitan was appointed to the role in late 2025.

Rebuilding Public Confidence

Professor Amupitan commended the journalists for their professional support, noting that the commission remains acutely aware of the skepticism often held by the Nigerian electorate.

He urged the media to partner with INEC in ensuring that the transparency of the electoral process is effectively communicated to the 200 million-strong population.

The Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, who led the delegation, praised the “transparent manner” in which Professor Amupitan has managed the commission since taking office.

Mr. Ojumu was accompanied by:

John Onah, Assistant Secretary of the Press Corps and

Chux Ukwuatu, Welfare Director.

Mr. Ojumu described Nigerian elections as a “huge logistical challenge” that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders to succeed.

The Road to 2027 and Beyond

The meeting came as INEC ramps up preparations for several high-stakes elections.

Nigeria is currently following a revised electoral roadmap following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

The 2027 General Election

The commission has scheduled the next nationwide polls for early 2027:

January 16, 2027: Presidential and National Assembly elections.

February 6, 2027: Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

Off-Cycle Governorship Polls

Before the general elections, the commission faces critical “litmus tests” in two southwest states where the electoral cycles are out of sync with the rest of the country.

These “off-cycle” elections are often seen as indicators of the commission’s readiness for the national stage:

Ekiti State: Scheduled for June 20, 2026.

Osun State: Scheduled for August 8, 2026.

Professor Amupitan, who succeeded Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has pledged to deliver “free, fair, and inclusive” polls as the country enters this intensive electoral window.