The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has renewed its commitment to delivering free, fair and credible elections in 2027, but questions over the commission’s credibility and its handling of political violence continue to dominate public debate.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance while speaking at a strategic workshop for editors in Abuja, where he stressed that the commission had no preferred candidate or political party.
Amupitan said INEC’s allegiance was to the Constitution, the law and Nigerian voters, adding that the commission’s responsibility was to ensure that the 2027 elections were transparent and credible.
The chairman also warned political parties, candidates and campaign managers against violence, intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric as preparations for the elections intensify.
He said INEC would not allow political competition to degenerate into violence, adding that candidates or parties implicated in inciting violence or deploying armed thugs could face sanctions and prosecution.
2023 election still haunts INEC
However, journalist and columnist Ikechukwu Amaechi, in a Vanguard opinion article, argued that the commission still had to overcome lingering concerns arising from the 2023 general elections.
Amaechi recalled that former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu had promised ahead of the 2023 presidential election that polling-unit results would be uploaded to the commission’s electronic portal in real time.
According to the columnist, the failure to meet that expectation contributed to doubts about the commission’s credibility and independence.
Amaechi argued that Amupitan’s assurances would therefore be judged against the commission’s previous experience and its ability to enforce electoral rules impartially.
Concerns over political violence
The column also highlighted growing concerns over political rhetoric and alleged threats ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amaechi pointed to a recent incident involving Aminu Warkal, a Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate in Kano State, who was reportedly seen in a viral video displaying a firearm and allegedly firing shots during a political rally.
The Kano State Police Command subsequently invited Warkal for questioning, while Amupitan publicly condemned the incident and warned against the use of weapons and hate speech during political campaigns.
The writer also referenced comments attributed to Edo State APC chairman Jarrett Tenebe concerning firearms and political opponents, questioning whether INEC and security agencies were applying the same standards to politicians across party lines.
Amaechi’s broader argument was that electoral violence should be addressed regardless of whether those involved belong to the ruling party or the opposition.
INEC under pressure ahead of 2027
With the 2027 general elections approaching, INEC is expected to face increasing scrutiny over its preparedness, independence and ability to enforce electoral laws.
Amupitan has maintained that the commission will remain committed to credible elections and will not tolerate violence or intimidation.
For critics such as Amaechi, however, the key test will be whether those assurances translate into consistent enforcement against all political actors.
The debate comes at a time when political parties are already intensifying preparations for the 2027 elections, making the credibility of the electoral umpire and the conduct of political actors increasingly important issues.
