NEC Must Deliver Credible Elections To End Trust Deficit — Amupitan

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has urged staff of the Commission to prepare for the responsibility of delivering free, fair and credible elections, stressing that doing so remains the surest way to address the trust deficit surrounding the electoral body.

He noted that the Commission is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process and rebuilding public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan made the remarks on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while addressing INEC personnel at the Commission’s state secretariat after inspecting the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in some local government areas.

He explained that INEC plans to work closely with the National Population Commission and other relevant agencies to identify Nigerians who have reached voting age and encourage them to participate in the registration exercise.

“As we build up to 2027, I want to announce that we are in it together to serve Nigeria and strengthen democracy. Though INEC is already having a trust deficit, whatever we are doing in Abuja, we have to cascade it here.

“We should work hard to restore the trust. We know state congresses are ongoing and some of you are part of it — please, any activity you are handling, do it with every honesty and utmost courtesy.

“What you are doing today will determine the 2027 elections. If you want to determine the future, you create it. What we owe Nigerians is free, fair and credible elections; let their expectations be met. We want Nigerians to begin to believe in INEC, that whoever emerges is the will of the people,” he said.

The INEC chairman further revealed that the Commission plans to conduct a voter revalidation exercise aimed at updating the voter register and ensuring the accuracy of its data. According to him, the process will help remove the names of deceased persons and others who should no longer appear on the register.

“The register should be sanitised,” he added.

He also encouraged all staff members of the commission to actively support awareness campaigns on the ongoing voter registration exercise, noting that voter mobilisation should not be left solely to the Voter Education and Publicity Department.

“Encourage and galvanise them to come out while assuring them that their votes will count,” he said.

In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Barrister Obo Effanga, expressed appreciation to the INEC chairman for visiting registration centres and engaging directly with staff. He assured that the state office would continue to work diligently to ensure the commission fulfils its mandate ahead of the 2027 elections.

During the visit, Amupitan inspected several CVR registration centres in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, where officials reported network disruptions and login difficulties. He assured that the issues would be addressed promptly.

The chairman also commended the turnout of young people participating in the registration exercise and emphasised the need for intensified voter education across the state.