INEC commences strategic planning for 2027 polls, reaffirms commitment to public trust 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process as it commences early strategic planning for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Election.

Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Commission, stated this on Tuesday at a leadership workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems for INEC leadership, which began January 13 to 15 in Lagos.

In a statement by the Commission, Amupitan described the workshop as timely, noting that the Commission is navigating a critical leadership transition. He pointed to changes at the top and the retirement of several directors and senior management staff after years of service.

He said institutional continuity must rest on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership and unity of vision, rather than the mere preservation of structures.

According to him, continuity does not mean sameness. Instead, it is the ability to carry forward INEC’s constitutional mandate while adapting to emerging realities with insight and resolve.

Looking ahead to the 2026 off cycle elections and the 2027 General Election, the INEC chairman said Nigerians expect an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct and credible in outcomes.

He said these expectations informed the Commission’s ongoing induction and strategic retreat aimed at setting a clear direction for 2027 and beyond.

Amupitan acknowledged that despite reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023, public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile.

He warned that democracy cannot thrive without trust, adding that misinformation and disinformation increasingly undermine confidence in elections.

He said in an era where false information spreads faster than facts, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against coordinated falsehoods even before voting begins.

The chairman reaffirmed that under his leadership, the Commission remains committed to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations and guidelines.

He said rebuilding public confidence is a daily operational responsibility guiding every decision of the Commission.

He added that the leadership workshop, which brought together the chairman and all national commissioners, reflects INEC’s belief in collective leadership and shared responsibility in managing electoral risks and opportunities.

Also speaking, Seray Jah, regional director for Africa and country director for Nigeria at IFES, said the workshop marks the early strategic phase of preparations for the 2027 General Election.

He said election credibility is largely shaped by decisions taken early in the electoral cycle.

Jah said IFES has partnered with INEC since 1998 to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system through support for strategic planning, election operations, technology deployment, institutional reform and inclusion.

According to him, the workshop offers INEC leadership an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges. These include complex logistics, responsible use of technology, misinformation, artificial intelligence driven risks, internal coordination and sustaining public confidence in a polarised environment.

He reaffirmed IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 electoral cycle and beyond. He also acknowledged the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in promoting electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.

The workshop brought together INEC national commissioners, senior management staff and international partners to deliberate on leadership, institutional resilience and public trust in electoral administration.