Abdulsalami Urges INEC to Remain Neutral, Assures Support for Credible 2027 Polls
Oru Leonard
Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and ensure justice for all political parties as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Abdulsalami gave the charge on Friday while receiving the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), and members of the commission’s management team during a courtesy visit to his residence in Minna, Niger State.
He described the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most challenging in Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that political parties often accuse the commission of bias whenever election outcomes do not favour them.
The elder statesman advised the electoral umpire to remain focused on its constitutional mandate, uphold its oath of office, and ensure fairness to all political parties.
“You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own,” Abdulsalami said, adding that Nigeria’s democracy depends on the credibility and integrity of the electoral commission.
He also called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to support INEC, expressing confidence in the leadership of Prof. Amupitan and assuring the commission of the National Peace Committee’s continued backing ahead of the Osun governorship election and the 2027 polls.
Abdulsalami disclosed that the National Peace Committee would meet in Abuja on July 29, while political parties are expected to sign the Osun Governorship Election Peace Accord on July 30 in Osogbo.
Earlier, Prof. Amupitan assured Nigerians that every valid vote would count in the forthcoming elections, stressing that INEC remained committed to conducting free, fair and credible polls despite operational and legal challenges.
He announced that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The INEC Chairman also commended Abdulsalami’s contributions to democratic governance, describing the former Head of State as a pillar of Nigeria’s democracy whose Peace Accord initiative has helped promote peaceful elections and political stability.
Amupitan reiterated that the commission would continue to improve its electoral processes and deploy technology to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s elections.
