Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the commission must deliver elections in 2027 that are free, fair and credible enough to set a benchmark for Africa.
Amupitan spoke on Friday in Lagos while delivering his opening remarks at INEC’s 2026 induction and strategic retreat for its leadership and senior officials.
The retreat was attended by national commissioners, resident electoral commissioners, administrative secretaries, directors and senior management staff from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The eyes of over 200 million Nigerians and indeed the entire continent are upon us,” he said.
“I charge you today to brace yourselves. The work ahead is demanding, the hours will be long, and the scrutiny will be intense.
“We have a golden opportunity to rewrite the history of elections in Nigeria. Our goal is clear: the 2027 general election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history.”
Amupitan added that the commission’s ambition should extend beyond national expectations.
He noted that INEC can conduct a world-class, technologically driven and transparent election that is beyond reproach.
“Our success in 2027 must be more than a national victory. It must be a continental standard, a proof-of-concept that demonstrates that INEC can indeed conduct a world-class technology-driven and transparent election that is beyond reproach,” he added.