The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, told staff of the commission to prepare to deliver free, fair, and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general polls and explained that such elections are necessary to rebuild public trust in the commission.
Amupitan gave the charge while addressing INEC officials at the commission’s secretariat in Uyo after visiting several centres for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise in parts of the state. The visit formed part of his inspection of registration activities in some local government areas.
He informed the staff that the commission plans to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system and regain the confidence of citizens before the next general election. According to him, every activity carried out by the commission now will affect the outcome and credibility of the 2027 elections.
The chairman explained that the commission intends to work with the National Population Commission and other relevant bodies to identify Nigerians who have reached the voting age so they can participate in the voter registration exercise. The move, he said, will help ensure that eligible citizens are captured in the voter register.
Amupitan also disclosed that INEC plans to conduct a voter revalidation exercise to make the voters’ register more accurate. The process will involve reviewing the register and removing names of persons who have died or those who are not supposed to be listed.
He urged the commission’s staff to assist in spreading information about the voter registration exercise across communities.
According to him, creating awareness should not be left only to the Voter Education and Publicity department, as all officials of the commission have a role to play in encouraging citizens to register and take part in elections.
During the visit, Amupitan also inspected some registration centres in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo. At the centres, officials raised concerns about network problems and login difficulties affecting the registration process. The chairman assured them that the technical challenges would be addressed.
He also observed that many young people turned out for the registration exercise and called for continued voter education to encourage more participation.
In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Barrister Obo Effanga, appreciated the chairman for visiting the state and interacting with the staff.
He assured that the commission in the state would work to carry out its responsibilities effectively as preparations continue for the 2027 elections.