2027: INEC Promises Transparent, Credible and Peaceful General Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible, inclusive and peaceful 2027 general election, assuring Nigerians that the outcome will reflect the sovereign will of the electorate.

The Acting Chairman of INEC, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the African Union (AU) Pre-Election Needs Assessment Mission at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The AU delegation, led by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, is in Nigeria to assess the country’s overall preparedness for the 2027 elections and identify areas requiring further support.

Welcoming the delegation, Gumus described the mission as an opportunity for peer assessment, institutional learning and strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral processes at a critical stage of the country’s democratic development.

She said INEC valued its partnership with the AU in promoting democratic standards and credible electoral governance across Africa.

According to her, the mission should not be treated as a mere formality but as an avenue to strengthen institutional resilience and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.

Gumus said INEC had commenced extensive operational, technological and logistical preparations for the 2027 general election, with the aim of ensuring effective participation by all eligible Nigerians.

She noted that lessons from recent off-cycle elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti and Osun states had provided useful insights that would guide the Commission’s preparations for the nationwide polls.

The Acting Chairman also identified areas where technical and institutional support from the AU would be valuable.

They include digital training for ad hoc election personnel, measures to counter election-related disinformation and deepfakes, strengthening the Election Monitoring and Support Centre, as well as improving inclusivity and gender-mainstreaming frameworks.

Gumus stressed that electoral integrity was a collective responsibility involving INEC, political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media, development partners and the electorate.

She also reaffirmed the independence and neutrality of the electoral body, saying the Commission remained committed to conducting the 2027 elections professionally.

Gumus assured that under the current Commission led by Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, administrative decisions would strictly comply with the law, while the deployment of technology would be guided by the need to promote transparency.

She added that the final outcome of the 2027 general election would reflect the sovereign will of Nigerian voters.

Speaking on the purpose of the AU mission, Mekonnen said the engagement was designed to be supportive and consultative, rather than an assessment imposed on the Commission.

He said the delegation would review preparations already underway, identify gaps and potential risks, and explore areas where technical assistance could be provided.

According to him, the mission would engage INEC and other stakeholders on issues including voter registration and the integrity of the voters’ register, electoral technology, logistics, funding, inclusion, transparency, dispute resolution, security coordination and results management.

Mekonnen also underscored the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the African Union in promoting democratic governance and credible elections across the continent.

The engagement is expected to contribute to efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general election.