The 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 count.
Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State, Amupitan said the commission remains committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral process despite growing public scrutiny of its leadership.
He said INEC would ensure that the outcome of the elections reflects the genuine will of the electorate.
“The Commission’s determination under my leadership is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians can go out and vote with the confidence that their votes will be counted and reflected in the outcome of elections. That is the assurance INEC owes every voter,” he said.
Amupitan added that no amount of pressure would prevent the commission from conducting credible elections and allowing the will of the people to prevail.
He also reaffirmed the timetable for the 2027 general elections, announcing that the presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The INEC chairman led a delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors, and technical aides on the visit.
Describing Abdulsalami as a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Amupitan said the former military leader’s transition to civilian rule in 1999 laid the foundation for the country’s current democratic system.
He also commended Abdulsalami’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, noting that its Peace Accord initiative has continued to promote peaceful campaigns and discourage electoral violence.
Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation,” Amupitan congratulated the former Head of State on his recent 84th birthday and acknowledged his enduring contributions to democratic stability and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
The assurance comes amid increasing public debate over INEC’s impartiality since Amupitan assumed office. Opposition parties and civil society organizations have called for greater transparency, arguing that public confidence in the electoral body must be strengthened as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
The controversy intensified earlier this year after alleged old social media posts purportedly linked to Amupitan resurfaced online. Critics claimed the posts expressed sympathy for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before his appointment. INEC denied that the chairman owned or operated the account and dismissed the allegations, but some opposition figures continued to call for his resignation, arguing that the incident raised questions about the commission’s neutrality.
The electoral body has also faced criticism over some pre-election administrative decisions, including disputes involving the recognition of political party leadership and other regulatory actions that opposition parties claimed favored the ruling party.
INEC has consistently rejected the allegations, maintaining that all its decisions are guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and existing regulations.
Against this backdrop, Amupitan’s renewed pledge that every vote will count is expected to be closely watched by political parties, election observers, and millions of Nigerians seeking renewed confidence in the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
Responding, Abdulsalami urged Nigerians to support INEC, saying broad public cooperation would be essential to the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
