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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general elections will count, reaffirming the commission\'s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
He said the commission was determined to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that election results genuinely reflected the will of the people.
According to him, INEC remains focused on creating an electoral environment where Nigerians can cast their ballots with confidence, knowing that every lawful vote will be accurately counted and reflected in the final outcome.
The INEC chairman stressed that no political pressure or external influence would derail the commission from its constitutional responsibility of delivering free, fair and credible elections.
Amupitan also restated the timetable for the 2027 general elections, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
He led a delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides on the visit to the former Head of State.
Describing Abdulsalami as a pillar of Nigeria\'s democratic journey, Amupitan commended his role in overseeing the country\'s transition to civilian rule in 1999 and his continued leadership of the National Peace Committee.
He praised the committee\'s Peace Accord initiative, noting that it has continued to promote peaceful campaigns, discourage electoral violence and strengthen democratic stability across the country.
The INEC chairman described the visit as a gesture of appreciation, congratulating Abdulsalami on his recent 84th birthday and acknowledging his enduring contributions to national unity, democracy and peaceful coexistence.
Amupitan\'s reassurance comes amid renewed public scrutiny over INEC\'s neutrality following criticism from opposition parties and civil society organisations, which have called for greater transparency as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
The commission has also faced questions over alleged social media posts linked to the INEC chairman before his appointment, as well as some of its pre-election administrative decisions. However, INEC has consistently denied allegations of bias, insisting that all its actions are guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and established regulations.
Responding, Abdulsalami urged Nigerians to support the electoral commission, stressing that public cooperation would be vital to the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections and the continued strengthening of Nigeria\'s democracy.
