By Abuja, Nigeria
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering credible, inclusive and transparent elections as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general polls.
Prof. Amupitan gave the assurance while receiving the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, alongside senior UN officials, at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Congratulating the INEC Chairman on his appointment, Fall commended the Commission for the peaceful conduct of the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections and pledged the UN’s continued support.
“On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, we congratulate you for taking on this critical responsibility,” Fall said.
“Nigeria’s democracy, given its demographic size and complexity, comes with enormous challenges. We assure you of our prayers and full support.”
He emphasized that the UN’s support would go beyond election-day operations to include broader issues of inclusivity and the principle of leaving no one behind.
Also speaking, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ms. Elsie Attafuah, highlighted the long-standing partnership between INEC and UNDP in areas such as technology, innovation, youth engagement, voter education and institutional strengthening.
According to her, discussions during the visit focused on understanding INEC’s priority needs ahead of 2027 and exploring ways to leverage existing UNDP programmes. She noted that a dedicated election support project could be considered outside current frameworks.
“The time is ripe to work together at this crucial moment. If Nigeria succeeds, Africa advances,” Attafuah said.
In his response, Prof. Amupitan welcomed the UN delegation, noting that the meeting followed the successful conduct of the FCT Area Council elections as well as recent bye-elections in Kano and Rivers States.
He said the elections were generally peaceful and reiterated that INEC’s constitutional mandate covers federal and state elections, including those for President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
The INEC Chairman identified key challenges confronting Election Management Bodies (EMBs) across Africa, including declining public trust, voter apathy, insecurity, and the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.
“Disinformation is the most dangerous,” he warned. “It is when someone knows what they are saying is false but persists in spreading it to undermine constitutional institutions.”
Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, noting the establishment of a Gender and Inclusivity Department within the Commission.
