INEC raises alarm over trust deficit, seeks peace committee support for credible 2027 polls

2026-03-02 - 18:38

ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Peace Committee (NPC) and other key stakeholders to intensify efforts to rebuild public trust and promote peaceful participation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the appeal on Monday during a stakeholder briefing and presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the NPC in Abuja. The high-level engagement brought together leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies, and civil society organisations, underscoring a shared commitment to peaceful, credible, and legitimate elections. Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, was represented by the committee’s convener, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah. Trust deficit threatens democratic legitimacy In his address, Amupitan described the erosion of public confidence in the electoral system as one of INEC’s most pressing challenges, warning that voter apathy poses a serious threat to democratic legitimacy. “We appeal to the National Peace Committee to help us in the area of building trust. The trust deficit is palpable everywhere,” he said. “If voters will not participate, then whoever emerges... it is also in our own interest that everybody continues to participate. We’ll get it right one day.” He noted that the presence of commissioners, directors, and senior management staff at the engagement reflected INEC’s commitment to electoral reform and democratic consolidation. Transparency, legitimacy and shared responsibility Describing Nigeria’s electoral environment as diverse, complex, and highly competitive, the INEC chairman stressed that democracy must rest not only on legality but also legitimacy. “Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,” he said, adding that the commission remains open to scrutiny and constructive criticism. Amupitan emphasised that delivering credible elections cannot rest on INEC alone. He urged political parties to strengthen internal discipline and voter mobilisation, noting that declining turnout undermines democratic credibility. Measures to strengthen credibility The INEC chairman outlined steps being taken to enhance transparency and results management, noting that new safeguards have been introduced and tested in recent elections, although operational details were not disclosed. He warned that misinformation during elections erodes confidence and fuels tension, adding that INEC is working with security agencies and relevant institutions to counter disinformation and ensure accurate reporting. On electoral offences, particularly vote trading, he reiterated that such acts remain criminal under Nigerian law and called on law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations and prosecutions. Amupitan also disclosed that INEC is intensifying efforts to sanitise the voter register, acknowledging public concerns about duplication and outdated records. Road to 2027: Ekiti, Osun elections key milestones Looking ahead, the chairman described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states as critical milestones on the road to 2027. He revealed that the commission is considering additional technology testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units, to strengthen operational preparedness. He also appealed for the timely release of election funds in line with amended legal provisions, stressing that early access to resources is essential for procurement, logistics, and effective planning. Peace Committee reaffirms commitment In a welcome address delivered on his behalf, General Abdulsalami Abubakar reaffirmed the National Peace Committee’s commitment to dialogue, mediation, and confidence-building. He noted that since 2015, the Peace Accord has served as a stabilising instrument in Nigeria’s electoral process. Describing the Annotated Peace Accord as an enhanced framework for preventive engagement, he said it provides clearer guidance for stakeholders. “The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests with all of us,” he said, calling for restraint, collaboration, and responsible conduct from political actors, institutions, and citizens. The stakeholder briefing forms part of INEC’s broader engagements aimed at deepening cooperation among electoral stakeholders, reinforcing peaceful conduct, and restoring public confidence as preparations gradually intensify toward the 2027 general election.