INEC courts peace committee to rescue poll credibility

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has turned to the National Peace Committee (NPC) for support in rebuilding public confidence and safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, appealed on Monday in Abuja during a stakeholder briefing and presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the Peace Committee.

The meeting, attended by political party leaders, security chiefs and civil society organisations, highlighted mounting concern over declining voter confidence and participation in elections

Amupitan acknowledged that public trust in the electoral system has weakened, warning that the situation threatens democratic legitimacy.

“We appeal to the National Peace Committee to help us in the area of building trust. The trust deficit is such that anywhere you go, it’s palpable. If voters do not participate, whoever emerges, it is also in our own interest that everybody continues to participate. We’ll get it right one day,” he said.

He stressed that credible elections must not only be lawful but also widely accepted by the people.

“Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,” he stated.

The INEC Chairman said the Commission remains open to criticism and is committed to strengthening its processes to improve transparency and credibility.

He emphasised that restoring confidence cannot be left to INEC alone, urging political parties to improve voter mobilisation and internal discipline to reverse the decline in turnout.

Amupitan disclosed that the Commission has introduced additional safeguards to strengthen results management and address public concerns over transparency.

He also warned that misinformation and false narratives during elections pose serious risks to public confidence and national stability, adding that INEC is working with relevant agencies to tackle disinformation.

Regarding electoral offences, particularly vote-buying, he called for swift investigations and prosecutions to deter future violations.

The INEC Chairman further said the Commission is sanitising the voter register to eliminate duplications and outdated records, describing it as critical to credible elections.

Looking ahead, he described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states as important tests of the Commission’s readiness for 2027.

Amupitan also stressed the importance of early release of election funds to enable effective planning and logistics.

In his remarks, Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to promoting peaceful and credible elections.

“The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests with all of us,” he said.

He noted that the Peace Accord has remained a key stabilising mechanism in Nigeria’s elections since its introduction in 2015.

The stakeholder engagement forms part of INEC’s broader efforts to strengthen collaboration, restore public confidence and ensure credible elections in 2027.