By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
In a candid acknowledgement of the trust deficit trailing Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, has called on the country’s vibrant
media to play a pivotal role in addressing the ugly trend.
This is even as he insists that the growing trust deficit between the Commission and the Nigerian public must be squarely tackled as the country prepares for the general election in 2027.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of INEC Press Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, Amupitan noted that rebuilding confidence in the electoral process remains one of his top priorities since assuming office in late 2025.
The meeting was his first formal engagement with the Executive Committee of the specialized media group since succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the head of Nigeria’s electoral body.
Amupitan, who called for the rebuilding of public confidence, commended the journalists for their professional support, noting that the Commission remains acutely aware of the skepticism often held by the Nigerian electorate.
He therefore urged the media to partner with INEC in ensuring that the transparency of the electoral process is effectively communicated to the 200 million-strong population.
In his response, the Chairman of INEC Press Corps, Comrade Segun Ojumu, who led the delegation, praised the “transparent manner” in which Amupitan has managed the commission since taking office.
Ojumu was accompanied by John Onah, Assistant Secretary of the Press Corps and Chux Ukwuatu, Welfare Director.
He described Nigerian elections as a “huge logistical challenge” that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders to succeed.
Meanwhile, the meeting comes as INEC ramps up preparations for several high-stakes elections, including the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State scheduled for June 20, 2026, and Osun state scheduled for August 8, 2026 as well as the 2027 general election.
Nigeria is currently following a revised electoral roadmap following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, just as the Commission has scheduled the next nationwide polls for early 2027 with January 16, 2027 set for Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Also, February 6, 2027, is the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
Amupitan, who succeeded Yakubu, has pledged to deliver free, fair, and inclusive polls as the country enters this intensive electoral window.
READ ALSO:
- AFCON 2027Q: Guinea-Bissau thrash Super Eagles to stay top of Group L
- 66th Independence: From Division to Unification- I am Miniature Map of Nigeria
- BBNaija S11: Keivo Disqualified For Physical Assault On Tram
- NNPC Delivers ₦7.2 Trillion Profit as Production Reaches Multi-Year Highs
- EFCC Commences Investigation of Suspect Arrested with $265,000 in Kano
