2027: INEC seeks South-East royal fathers’ support for peaceful polls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said that the South-East traditional institution holds the key to a peaceful 2027 general election.

Amupitan stated this on Monday in Enugu during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu.

He said the Commission’s National Zonal Physical Assessment Tour has reached the South-East as part of preparations for 2027.

“We consider it an essential administrative protocol and a deeply cherished tradition to begin our work in Enugu State by paying homage to the revered custodians of our culture, tradition, and community values,” Amupitan said.

He said across zones visited so far, INEC has prioritised engagement with leading traditional rulers because “royal fathers are the ultimate anchors of grassroots peace, civic engagement, and community stability.”

He listed those engaged to include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.

Amupitan said the Enugu tour is to audit operational readiness and evaluate personnel preparedness down to the Registration Area and Ward levels.

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He said the tour follows operational tests under his leadership, including three off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun, one FCT Area Council election and 16 bye-elections.

He said the exercises helped refine logistics, early poll openings and technology deployment.

He recalled that INEC recently hosted a World Press Conference and National Stakeholders Engagement in Abuja to mark 100 days to the first ballot, where it reaffirmed commitment to transparency and adherence to its schedule.

He reconfirmed poll dates: Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday, January 16, 2027, and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

“While INEC manages the technical and administrative aspects of elections, the moral authority to ensure peaceful voting resides within our traditional institutions,” he said.

He asked royal fathers for support in three areas:

– Grassroots PVC collection – mobilising citizens to collect their PVCs, “as the PVC remains the sole instrument for accreditation.”

– Fight against voter apathy and vote buying – sensitising communities against apathy and “illegal practice of selling votes for short-term financial gains.”

– Promotion of peace – using their stools to urge parties, candidates and youth groups to maintain decorum and reject violence.”

He said the efforts complement work with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, and disclosed collaboration was yielding results, with arrest of alleged kingpins behind kidnap of NYSC members who form bulk of INEC ad hoc staff.

“The DSS will arraign those behind these evil acts within the week,” he said.

“Under my leadership, INEC remains unshakeable in its commitment to neutrality, transparency, and procedural fairness. Every valid vote cast by Ndi Enugu and citizens across the South-East will count,” he added.

Responding, Igwe Asadu, Ogadagidi I of Edem-An Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, pledged support and said traditional rulers will encourage those yet to collect their PVCs to do so.

“We promise that we will encourage our people to collect their PVCs,” he said.

Kola nuts and traditional ornaments were presented to the INEC chairman, while Amupitan presented a plaque and souvenirs to the council.

Meanwhile, Amupitan has charged INEC staff to remain neutral, professional and accountable ahead of 2027.

He gave the charge during an engagement with staff at INEC Enugu State headquarters.

He said non-sensitive materials have started arriving, contracts have been awarded to upgrade facilities, vehicles and logistics are being procured, and additional BVAS have been ordered.

Configuration of BVAS and training on the new Electoral Act and guidelines will begin soon, he said.

“You don’t belong to any political party, and you should not be seen with any politician. You should be seen to be neutral. That is why, before an election, you must swear to an oath of neutrality,” he said.

“We want to have a workforce that will be one of the best in Africa. So, you must be professional in words and action, and you must be a master of your role.”

“Accountability is paramount. We need to guard against any act that would undermine the sanctity of the election. There is a reward for good work and consequences for misconduct,” he added.

On welfare, he said a new salary structure for INEC staff has been approved, effective January 2026, and implementation is being pursued alongside other packages.