The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said the commission has no preferred candidate or political party ahead of the 2027 general election, as it continues preparations and stakeholder engagements across the country.
Amupitan made the position known on Sunday during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of INEC’s activities to engage key stakeholders and assess its level of preparedness for the 2027 elections.
The visit was also linked to the commission’s planned interaction with its staff and assessment of electoral preparations at the zonal level.
The INEC chairman was accompanied by several National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, Special Aides and other senior officials of the commission.
During the meeting, Amupitan identified traditional rulers as important participants in the electoral process because of their influence and close relationship with communities across the country.
He said elections should reflect the relationship between citizens and the people they choose to occupy public offices, adding that public confidence in the electoral process remained important to the success of democracy.
Amupitan said INEC had started preparations early because of the large scale and complex nature of organising elections across Nigeria.
According to him, the commission was no longer relying on last-minute arrangements but was testing its systems, carrying out audits and improving its operations well ahead of the 2027 polls.
He also assured the Emir that INEC would continue to conduct its duties without favouring any candidate or political party, while maintaining fairness and transparency throughout the electoral process.
The chairman said the commission’s only concern was to ensure that the choice made by Nigerian voters was respected, rather than serving the interest of any candidate or political organisation.
Amupitan added that INEC would sustain consultations with traditional rulers and other stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.
INEC’s official election calendar curr54ently lists the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, with governorship and State House of Assembly elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.
5INEC Has No Candidate, No Party – Amupitan