INEC Senate support 2027 elections as Chairman Joash Amupitan seeks reforms, better logistics and voter education ahead of future polls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Tuesday sought the support of the Senate as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for reforms, improved infrastructure and stronger voter education.

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Professor Amupitan made the appeal during his first official engagement with the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly in Abuja on December 16, 2025.

The meeting, convened to review Nigeria’s electoral framework, was attended by all INEC National Commissioners, the Commission’s Secretary and senior technical officials, alongside senators led by the committee’s chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong.

Speaking at the session, Professor Amupitan described the Senate committee as pivotal to the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy, noting that its legislative and oversight functions directly shape the conduct of elections nationwide.

He thanked the Senate for the rigorous confirmation process that led to his appointment and said his immediate priorities include electoral reforms, strengthened logistics, modern infrastructure and expanded voter education.

Reflecting on his early days in office, the INEC chairman cited the Anambra governorship election held on November 8, 2025, describing it as a significant improvement over previous polls as it was concluded within a single day.

According to him, the smooth conduct of the election was driven by effective collaboration among security agencies, INEC personnel, the National Assembly and other stakeholders, although it also exposed gaps in logistics and operational efficiency that require urgent attention.

Professor Amupitan said Nigeria’s electoral process remains firmly anchored on the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC regulations, emphasising that while the commission is constitutionally empowered to conduct elections, it must always operate strictly within the law.

He praised the National Assembly for allowing INEC to contribute meaningfully to ongoing constitutional and electoral law reforms and pledged the commission’s full cooperation in advancing credible legislative outcomes.

The INEC chairman further assured lawmakers of plans to strengthen electoral infrastructure and deploy technology cautiously to enhance transparency, inclusiveness and public confidence in elections.

He stressed that voter education would be prioritised, noting that informed voters are essential to credible polls, while efficient logistics remain critical to the success of elections at all levels.

Professor Amupitan added that preparations for upcoming off-cycle polls, including the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, would depend largely on the timely completion of ongoing reforms.

Earlier, Senator Simon Bako Lalong welcomed the INEC leadership and described the engagement as a decisive step towards deepening democratic governance.

Senator Lalong said INEC plays a central role in building public trust in governance, adding that credible elections remain the bedrock of democracy.

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He congratulated Professor Amupitan on his appointment and assured the commission of the committee’s support through legislation, policy guidance and oversight, while stressing that such oversight would not undermine INEC’s constitutional independence.