Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The head of Nigeria’s electoral body has admitted that the commission faces a significant “trust deficit” with the public, calling on the media to help reshape the national narrative ahead of a busy cycle of polls.
Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), made the remarks during a courtesy visit from the Executive Committee of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja on Wednesday. It was the first formal meeting between the commission’s leadership and the specialist media group since Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was appointed to the role in late 2025.
Rebuilding Public Confidence
Professor Amupitan commended the journalists for their professional support, noting that the commission remains acutely aware of the scepticism often held by the Nigerian electorate. He urged the media to partner with INEC in ensuring that the transparency of the electoral process is effectively communicated to the 200 million-strong population.
The Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, who led the delegation, praised the “transparent manner” in which Professor Amupitan has managed the commission since taking office.
Mr. Ojumu was accompanied by:
John Onah, Assistant Secretary of the Press Corps and
Chux Ukwuatu, Welfare Director.
Mr. Ojumu described Nigerian elections as a “huge logistical challenge” that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders to succeed.
The Road to 2027 and Beyond
The meeting comes as INEC ramps up preparations for several high-stakes elections. Nigeria is currently following a revised electoral roadmap following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
The 2027 General Election
The commission has scheduled the next nationwide polls for early 2027:
January 16, 2027: Presidential and National Assembly elections.
February 6, 2027: Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
Off-Cycle Governorship Polls
Before the general elections, the commission faces critical “litmus tests” in two southwest states where the electoral cycles are out of sync with the rest of the country.
These “off-cycle” elections are often seen as indicators of the commission’s readiness for the national stage:
Ekiti State: Scheduled for June 20, 2026.
Osun State: Scheduled for August 8, 2026.
Professor Amupitan, who succeeded Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has pledged to deliver “free, fair, and inclusive” polls as the country enters this intensive electoral window.
End.
