INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan calls on staff to deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027 and restore public confidence in the commission

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has urged commission staff to prepare for the 2027 elections, stressing that delivering free, fair, and credible polls is key to restoring public trust.

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Amupitan made the remarks on Friday while addressing INEC staff at the commission’s secretariat in Uyo after inspecting the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in some local government areas.

“What we owe Nigerians is free, fair and credible elections; let their expectations be met. We want Nigerians to begin to believe in INEC, that whoever emerges is the will of the people,” he said.

The INEC chairman stressed the need for staff to act with honesty and courtesy, noting that their conduct during ongoing activities, including state congresses, will shape the credibility of the 2027 elections.

He also announced plans for a voter revalidation exercise to ensure the electoral register is accurate, removing names of deceased persons or those not eligible to vote.

Amupitan highlighted that INEC would work with the National Population Commission and other relevant agencies to track eligible Nigerians and encourage participation in the registration process.

He further urged all staff to support voter education efforts, saying that responsibility should not rest solely with the Voter Education and Publicity unit.

“Encourage and galvanise them to come out while assuring them that their votes will count,” he added.

During visits to CVR centres in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, the chairman noted network challenges and login issues raised by staff, promising prompt resolution.

He commended the high turnout of young people and called for intensified voter education across the state.

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Responding, State Resident Electoral Commissioner Barrister Obo Effanga thanked the chairman for the visit and pledged to ensure the commission meets its mandate ahead of 2027.