The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has urged staff of the commission to remain committed to delivering credible elections across the country.
He said Nigerians deserve a transparent electoral process and that restoring public trust in the commission must remain a top priority as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan gave the charge on Friday while addressing staff of the electoral body in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The INEC chairman was in the state to inspect the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
During the visit, he stopped at several registration centres and later met with staff at the state secretariat.
He told the workers that the commission must work harder to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.
According to him, the credibility of the next general election will depend largely on the commitment and integrity of INEC officials across the country.
“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.”
The INEC chairman explained that the commission plans to work closely with the National Population Commission and other relevant agencies. The collaboration, he said, will help identify Nigerians who have reached voting age and encourage them to participate in the registration exercise.
He also revealed that INEC is considering a voter revalidation process. The exercise, according to him, will help update the national voter register and remove names that should no longer appear on the list.
“The register should be sanitised,” he added.
Amupitan further asked staff of the commission to support voter education efforts. He said creating awareness about voter registration should not be left solely to the voter education department.
“Encourage and galvanise them to come out while assuring them that their votes will count,” he said.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Obo Effanga, welcomed the INEC chairman and thanked him for visiting the state. Effanga said the visit would encourage staff and strengthen the commission’s operations ahead of future elections.
He assured the chairman that officials in the state would remain committed to delivering credible elections in line with the mandate of the electoral body.
During the inspection, Amupitan visited several Continuous Voter Registration centres in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo. Some registration officials complained about slow network connections and login challenges affecting the process.
The chairman acknowledged the complaints and promised that the technical issues would be addressed.
He also expressed satisfaction with the turnout of young Nigerians who came out to register.
According to him, the growing participation of youths in the process is a positive sign for the country’s democracy.
He called for stronger voter awareness campaigns across communities to ensure more eligible citizens take part in the exercise ahead of the next election cycle.
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