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INEC Chairman Seeks Senate Support for Credible 2027 Polls
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.
Also read: INEC Announces New Date For 2023 General Elections
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.
Reps seek federal relief for Edo tanker explosion victims, urging NEMA aid, market rehabilitation and urgent repairs to the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide relief materials, financial assistance and rehabilitation support to victims of the deadly petrol tanker explosion at Oluku in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Also read: Wike to Dumo Lulu-Briggs: Quit Rivers Governorship Race, Back Someone Else
The lawmakers also urged the government to repair dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway around Oluku to reduce the risk of similar disasters.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Omosede Igbinedion, a lawmaker representing a constituency in Edo State, during plenary on Wednesday, October 21.
The Edo tanker explosion occurred on Thursday, October 15, when a petrol tanker reportedly lost control and overturned near Oluku Market, spilling fuel that later ignited and spread to nearby businesses.
According to the motion, the fire caused fatalities and serious injuries while destroying shops, stalls, vehicles, goods and other property.
The damage also left traders and their families facing substantial financial losses and the loss of their livelihoods.
Presenting the motion, Igbinedion said the incident had caused widespread hardship, with some victims losing their savings and facing mounting financial difficulties.
She also raised concerns about reports of severe burns among survivors, some of whom reportedly required emergency treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and other medical facilities.
The lawmaker said the scale of the destruction required federal intervention to complement the Edo State Government’s response.
She commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for visiting the scene and affected victims, as well as pledging to rebuild the damaged market and support traders.
However, she argued that additional assistance was necessary to provide immediate relief, restore livelihoods and help affected families recover from the disaster.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and provide relief materials, financial support and rehabilitation assistance to victims.
It also called on the Federal Government to work with the Edo State Government to rebuild the affected market and support the recovery of businesses disrupted by the fire.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to inspect and urgently rehabilitate dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway around Oluku.
In another resolution, the House directed the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other relevant agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, fuel spillage, evacuation efforts and subsequent fire.
The agencies were also asked to recommend preventive measures, particularly along major highways where fuel tankers operate close to markets, shops and residential communities.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers of attempting to collect fuel from overturned tankers. Spilled petrol can ignite rapidly, exposing people nearby to potentially fatal fires and explosions.
Also read: Wike to Dumo Lulu-Briggs: Quit Rivers Governorship Race, Back Someone Else
The House’s resolutions seek to address both the immediate needs of affected residents and the wider safety concerns raised by the disaster. Federal assistance, road repairs and a thorough investigation are expected to support recovery efforts and help reduce the likelihood of similar incidents.
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