INEC BEGINS EARLY PREPARATIONS FOR 2026, 2027 POLLS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CREDIBLE ELECTIONS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process as it begins early preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, spoke in Lagos at a leadership workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, IFES, where he said the early engagement was critical to setting a clear direction for the Commission, especially amid recent leadership changes.
Professor Amupitan noted that while electoral reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023 were significant, public confidence remains fragile. He assured Nigerians that INEC remains focused on delivering transparent, inclusive and credible elections in line with the law.
He described the workshop as a reflection of INEC’s commitment to collective leadership and shared responsibility in addressing electoral challenges and strengthening institutional resilience.
Also speaking, IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Seray Jah, said decisions taken early in the electoral cycle play a major role in shaping election credibility. He reaffirmed IFES’ long-standing support for INEC and pledged continued partnership ahead of the 2027 polls.