Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s electoral commission has no preferred candidate or political party for the 2027 general election, its chairman, Joash Amupitan, said on Sunday, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency, Prime Business Africa reports.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” Amupitan said during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, in Zaria, Kaduna State, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) intensified preparations and stakeholder engagement ahead of the polls.
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Amupitan said INEC had started preparations early because of the scale and complexity of conducting elections across the country. The commission, he said, had moved away from last-minute preparations and was testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems well ahead of the polls.
He described traditional institutions as important stakeholders because of their grassroots influence and urged them to counsel political parties, candidates and supporters against violence and hate-driven campaigns. Elections, he said, should be treated as a peaceful expression of citizens’ choices rather than a “do-or-die” affair.
The chairman also urged eligible Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, including the forthcoming collection of their Permanent Voter Cards, saying an informed and engaged electorate was essential to a vibrant democracy.
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Bamalli welcomed the INEC delegation and urged the commission to ensure that sensitive materials and election equipment were delivered to polling units on time and that electoral technology was thoroughly tested before deployment. He also stressed the importance of security, timely dissemination of electoral information and prompt announcement of results in building public confidence.
The Emir further urged political parties and their supporters to avoid hate speech and other conduct capable of threatening national unity.
INEC’s official timetable schedules the presidential and National Assembly elections for Jan. 16, 2027, followed by governorship and State House of Assembly elections on Feb. 6.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
