Emmanuel Obi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027, as the Commission assured Nigerians that every valid vote would count.
Prof. Amupitan made the announcement on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
While the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027, the chairman said despite the challenges facing the Commission, INEC remained resolute in ensuring that the wishes of Nigerians, as expressed through the ballot, would determine election outcomes.
“Regardless of the pressures confronting the Commission, INEC remains committed to ensuring that the will of the Nigerian people, as expressed at the election, will prevail,” Amupitan said.
He added: “Our determination is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians go out to vote, confident that their votes will be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections. That is the core assurance INEC owes the electorate.”
During the visit, Gen. Abdulsalami called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to support INEC as preparations intensify for the 2027 general election, stressing that public confidence and collective commitment are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Amupitan described the former military leader as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” noting that his transition programme, which culminated in the return to civilian rule in 1999, marked a defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
He also praised Abdulsalami’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, saying its Peace Accord initiative has helped promote peaceful elections by providing political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence.
The INEC Chairman described the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation” for Abdulsalami’s contributions to democratic stability, peaceful coexistence and credible elections, while congratulating him on his recent 84th birthday.
The delegation to Minna included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides to the INEC Chairman.
