Amupitan To Nigerians: Your Votes Will Count As Abdulsalami Backs INEC, Seeks Support Ahead Of 2027 Polls

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 General Election will count, even as former Head of State and chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), called on Nigerians to support the electoral umpire in delivering credible polls.

Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to Abdulsalami at his residence in Minna, Niger State, where he led a delegation of national commissioners, the secretary to the commission, directors and technical aides.

He described the former military leader as the father of Nigeria’s democracy, saying his successful transition to civilian rule in 1999 remained a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey.

According to him, the commission regards Abdulsalami not only as a statesman but also as a steadfast supporter of INEC and democratic governance.

The INEC chairman also commended the former Head of State’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, noting that the Peace Accord initiative had continued to encourage political actors to embrace non-violence and strengthen democratic values.

He described the visit as a gesture of appreciation for Abdulsalami’s contributions to peaceful coexistence, credible elections and democratic stability, while congratulating him on his recent 84th birthday.

Amupitan said despite the challenges facing the commission, it remained committed to ensuring that the will of the people prevailed at the polls.

He said, “Our determination is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians go out to vote with the confidence that their votes will count and will be reflected in the final outcome of elections. That is the assurance we owe the electorate.”

The INEC chairman also reaffirmed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would take place on February 6, 2027.

Responding, Abdulsalami described the chairmanship of INEC as one of the most challenging public offices in the country because of the varying expectations of political actors.

He urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to support the commission, stressing that the success of Nigeria’s democracy depended largely on public confidence in INEC.

The former Head of State expressed confidence in Amupitan’s leadership, urging him to remain impartial and resolute in the discharge of his responsibilities, while assuring the commission of his continued support and prayers ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Amupitan thanked Abdulsalami for his continued goodwill towards the commission and reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections.

Earlier, the INEC chairman met with staff of the commission’s Niger State office, where he charged them to uphold integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He described the staff as the commission’s grassroots foot soldiers and urged electoral officers and other field officials to see themselves as ambassadors of INEC, noting that public confidence in the electoral process depended largely on their conduct.

Amupitan also disclosed that the commission was reviewing staff welfare packages, saying the exercise followed his observation that welfare conditions in the commission were among the poorest compared to other public institutions when he assumed office.