Table of Contents
- INEC's Commitment to Free and Fair Elections
- Strengthening Leadership and Systems
- Importance of Early Planning
- Key Electoral Milestones
- Five Non-Negotiable Pillars
- Engaging Young Voters
- Adherence to Legal Framework
- Structure of the Retreat
- Commitment to Staff Welfare
- Welcome from Lagos REC
- Objectives of the Retreat
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its dedication to conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive, as it enhances its institutional preparations for the 2027 general election.
The Commission's Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, stated that INEC is intentionally bolstering its leadership capabilities, operational systems, and institutional coherence in response to increasing public expectations regarding the electoral process.
He stressed that early planning, strategic coordination, and strict adherence to the rule of law will be vital for the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
These comments were made on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the commencement of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat organized by the Commission for the newly appointed Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners, held in Lagos.
Amupitan acknowledged that while the 2027 general election is INEC's primary focus, the Commission must first successfully navigate several crucial electoral milestones. These include the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections scheduled for February 2026, as well as the off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
According to him, these elections will serve as significant testing grounds for refining voter registry management, election logistics, and the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
He outlined five non-negotiable pillars guiding the Commission's mandate: conducting elections free from interference, ensuring fairness to all political parties and candidates, maintaining credibility in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community, promoting transparency throughout all stages of the electoral process, and fostering inclusivity to guarantee that no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised.
The INEC chairman highlighted the increasing number of young, first-time voters ahead of 2027, describing them as technologically adept citizens who demand real-time transparency and have little tolerance for opacity.
He stated that gaining the trust of this demographic necessitates systems that are inclusive, technologically advanced, and beyond reproach, emphasizing that credibility established in 2027 will lead to long-term confidence in Nigeria's democratic process.
Reinforcing the legal framework governing elections, Amupitan assured that the Commission will continue to operate strictly within the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and any subsequent amendments.
He asserted that under his leadership, respect for the rule of law remains fundamental to INEC's operations and decision-making, cautioning that any compromise of established values or procedures will lead to consequences.
He explained that the retreat is designed to discuss 17 critical thematic areas aimed at enhancing election management.
These areas include logistics and personnel deployment, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and revalidation, election security and inter-agency collaboration, political party regulation, internal party democracy, campaign finance transparency, election result management, and the training of election personnel.
Amupitan further noted that the engagement is intended to induct newly appointed Commission members and Resident Electoral Commissioners into INEC's institutional framework, administrative structure, communication processes, and ethical standards.
Participants are also being acquainted with the legal framework for elections, electoral amendments, as well as the timelines and procedures of election tribunals.
He mentioned that the retreat provides an opportunity for experienced state-level implementers of the Commission's policies and programs to share insights from off-cycle elections, bye-elections, and other electoral activities.
These insights, he stated, will inform strategies to enhance the integrity of the voter register, election logistics, personnel training, and the Election Result Management System in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
Reaffirming his commitment to staff welfare, the INEC Chairman assured that while excellence will be expected, the Commission will continue to provide the tools and environment necessary for optimal performance.
He urged the Commission's leadership to dismantle institutional silos, promote open communication, and unite in restoring and maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, welcomed participants to Lagos, describing the retreat as a significant milestone in the Commission's ongoing institutional evolution.
Salami noted that the engagement provides a platform for reflection, strategic alignment, and institutional consolidation at a time when public expectations of the electoral process are at an all-time high.
He emphasized that early planning, coordination, and institutional cohesion are essential as the Commission progresses towards the 2027 General Election.
Additionally, he stated that beyond enhancing technical knowledge, the retreat offers opportunities for peer interaction, leadership bonding, and the exchange of ideas that will strengthen INEC as a cohesive and effective Election Management Body.
The Lagos REC congratulated the newly appointed Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners, urging all participants to engage fully in the sessions and contribute meaningfully to discussions aimed at building an electoral system that inspires confidence and upholds Nigeria's democratic aspirations.
Outlining the retreat's objectives, the Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs. Helen Ajayi, explained that new members will be inducted into INEC's institutional framework, familiarizing them with the legal and administrative architecture of elections and providing a platform for experience sharing among implementers of electoral policies at the state level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is INEC's commitment for the upcoming elections?
INEC is committed to conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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