The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has no political aspirants or parties of interest ahead of the 2027 general election, stressing that its duty is to safeguard the interests of Nigerians throughout the electoral process.
The stance of the INEC was revealed by its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, who led a delegation of top officials of the body to pay a visit to the 19th Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, in Zaria on Sunday.
This delegation comprises some National Commissioners, directors, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff and other top officials of the body.
This is one of the early engagements of INEC with relevant stakeholders and its assessment of the preparations towards the 2027 elections. Amupitan disclosed during the visit that the body had started preparations early as a result of the huge logistics associated with the conduct of elections in the country.
Instead, he stated that the commission was carrying out an evaluation and checking of its systems before the polls rather than leaving all this until after the election period.
This is because, according to him, maintaining public confidence is crucial to the entire process of elections since citizens must have confidence in the organisations that run the election process.
The chairman of INEC also requested the assistance of the traditional rulers in stopping any form of electoral violence, especially at the grassroots level.
The INEC chairman urged the Emir to use his influence and convince the political parties, candidates, and supporters to ensure that they do not make any statement that could jeopardise the election process.
Amupitan also discouraged people from viewing elections as a do-or-die affair and called on traditional institutions to dissuade youths from participating in political violence. He urged eligible voters to register and get their Permanent Voter Cards.
In reply, Bamalli praised the INEC management team for their visit to the palace and for giving him an update on the preparation for the upcoming 2027 polls.
The ruler, nevertheless, emphasised the need for the election body to focus on issues that would help to build the confidence of voters in the electoral exercise. He requested that the commission should make sure that sensitive election materials and other equipment arrived on time.
Also, the Emir recommended that the commission should test electronic devices and other equipment before moving them to polling stations. Bamalli encouraged the commission and other security agencies to secure polling stations and maintain effective communication with stakeholders to facilitate the release of election results.
The ruler called on political parties and their supporters to put national interest ahead of any other selfish interest during the election period. Bamalli advised political figures to conduct themselves without doing inflammatory campaigns and acts that would jeopardise the peace of the nation.
The meeting was just part of the consultation that the INEC was conducting as part of its preparatory activities for the 2027 general election.
