2027: Your votes will be counted, INEC chairman assures Nigerians

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general elections will be counted, and promised that the electoral body under his leadership remains committed to holding a credible, transparent and peaceful poll.

Amupitan made this assurance on Friday during a courtesy call on former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

He was accompanied by a delegation consisting of the National Commissioner, Commission Secretary, directors and technical assistants.

During the visit, the INEC chairman paid extraordinary tribute to Abdulsalami, and described him as a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey whose leadership laid the foundation for the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

According to Amupitan, the former military ruler remains a strong pillar of support for the country’s election commission and democratic institutions.

He described Abdulsalami as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” and noted that the success of his transition program marked a turning point in the country’s political history.

The INEC chairman added that the commission considered the senior statesman “not only as a statesman but also as a pillar of support for INEC.”

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Amupitan also praised Abdulsalami’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, and said that the committee’s Peace Agreement initiative continues to encourage peaceful elections and responsible political behavior.

He described the Peace Agreement as “a moral influence on the Nigerian political ecosystem.”

According to the electoral commission, Amupitan noted that this initiative has provided an opportunity for political parties and candidates to commit to peaceful campaigns and non-violent elections, thereby strengthening **”the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.”

Describing the visit as a “pilgrimage of appreciation” for Abdulsalami’s contribution to peaceful coexistence, democratic governance and credible elections, the INEC chairman also congratulated the former Head of State on his 84th birthday recently.

Amupitan reiterated the KPU’s determination to maintain the integrity of the election process despite the challenges associated with election management.

He assured Nigerians that INEC will continue to uphold the sanctity of the ballot and ensure that the election results reflect the true choice of the voters.

“The Commission’s resolve under my leadership is to see ordinary Nigerians come out and vote, with the confidence that their votes will be counted and reflected in the election results,” he said, describing this as “the ultimate guarantee that INEC is giving to voters.”

The INEC chairman also officially confirmed the schedule for the 2027 elections.

According to him, the presidential and DPR member elections will be held on January 16 2027, while the gubernatorial and DPR elections are scheduled for February 6 2027.

Responding, Abdulsalami called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Independent National Electoral Commission as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, and stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to maintain democratic progress in the country.