The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made a strong appeal to traditional rulers across Nigeria to use their influence to mobilise eligible citizens for the 2027 General Election.
INEC also urged traditional institutions to promote peaceful and issue-based political campaigns as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, made the call on Tuesday in Lagos during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Riliwanu Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, at the Iga Idunganran Palace.
2027 General Election: INEC Begins Nationwide Readiness Assessment
The visit was part of INEC’s South-West Zonal Readiness Assessment and Staff Interactive Session, marking the beginning of the Commission’s nationwide engagement across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Prof. Amupitan explained that the South-West, with Lagos as the starting point, was selected because of the zone’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s electoral and democratic development.
He said the Commission’s engagement in Lagos was aimed not only at assessing its operational preparedness but also at securing the support of traditional institutions in strengthening voter participation and maintaining peace during the electoral process.
INEC Announces Dates for 2027 General Election
During the meeting, the INEC Chairman formally informed the Oba of Lagos of the dates fixed for the 2027 General Election.
The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC said it is working towards an election that is technologically driven, transparent and inclusive.
The Commission is also continuing to improve its electoral systems, including online voter registration and result management processes.
2027 General Election: INEC Targets Higher Voter Turnout
While highlighting the role of technology in modern elections, Prof. Amupitan stressed that technology alone could not guarantee a successful democratic process.
The INEC Chairman urged traditional rulers to use their moral authority to encourage eligible Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 General Election.
“Technology alone cannot build a democracy; people do,” Amupitan said.
He also urged traditional institutions to encourage eligible residents to complete the required voter registration processes and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the relevant statutory deadlines.
INEC Urges Traditional Rulers to Promote Peaceful Campaigns
Beyond voter mobilisation, INEC appealed to the Oba of Lagos and the Lagos Traditional Council to help promote issue-based political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
Prof. Amupitan urged traditional rulers to discourage character assassination, hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric and campaigns of calumny during political activities.
He said political actors should concentrate on policies and issues rather than personalities, stressing that protecting the peace and stability of Lagos and Nigeria should take priority over political ambitions.
2027 General Election: INEC Reaffirms Staff Neutrality
The Commission also used the South-West readiness exercise to reinforce the importance of professionalism, neutrality and impartiality among its personnel.
Prof. Amupitan disclosed that INEC had engaged Resident Electoral Commissioners, Electoral Officers and Heads of Departments across the South-West.
According to him, the officials were reminded of the laws and regulations governing elections and the need to maintain strict professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of their responsibilities.
INEC Targets Credible 2027 Elections
The INEC Chairman said the Commission remains committed to delivering a 2027 General Election capable of strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and contributing to national unity.
He said the nationwide readiness assessment would help identify operational needs and ensure that INEC personnel and structures are adequately prepared for the elections.
Responding to the INEC delegation, the Oba of Lagos welcomed the Commission’s decision to commence its zonal readiness assessment in Lagos.
The traditional ruler expressed optimism about the success of the electoral body under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan.
The meeting marks an early effort by INEC to deepen engagement with traditional institutions and other stakeholders as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Election.
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