INEC Chief: 2027 Elections Won’t Be Perfect
‘We Will Strive for Excellence’
THE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said the commission cannot guarantee a 100 per cent perfect general election in 2027, urging Nigerians to moderate expectations while assuring them of the commission’s commitment to credible polls.
Amupitan made the remarks on Sunday at a Citizens’ Town Hall programme themed, “Electoral Act 2026: What it Means for Your Votes and the 2027 Elections.”
“Let me just appeal to Nigerians,” he said. “What Nigerians desire is a perfect election. INEC will strive as much as possible to give this country the best election. However, we may not be able to achieve a 100 per cent perfect election for now.”
Electronic Transmission Capacity
Addressing concerns around electronic transmission of results, the INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s capacity to transmit results electronically, noting that the debate has largely centred on the definition of “real-time” transmission.
“As far as electronic transmission of results is concerned, I said it before the FCT Area Council election that we have the capacity to transmit the results, and we are going to transmit the results. The only concern was real-time,” he explained.
He disclosed that during legislative deliberations on the Electoral Act 2026, INEC advocated for mandatory transmission of election results, though discussions focused on clarifying operational timelines.
“The original provision from the National Assembly retreat was not exactly what you have today. When INEC came in, we talked of transmission being mandatory,” he said.
Beyond Voting Day
While acknowledging that elections are central to democracy, Amupitan stressed that voter education and institutional transparency are equally critical.
“Election is the lifeblood of democracy. According to Abraham Lincoln, the ballot is more powerful than the bullets. Also, the ignorance of a voter is very inimical to the security of a nation,” he said.
He noted that INEC and civil society organisations share responsibility in ensuring credible elections.
The town hall programme was anchored by Seun Okinbaloye and Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, and attended by political leaders including APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Labour Party Interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili and Senator Ireti Kingibe.
As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, INEC’s message is clear: while perfection may be elusive, improvement remains the goal.
