2027 Elections: My Loyalty Is Solely to Constitution, Says INEC Chairman Amupitan
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has declared that his loyalty is solely to the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, assuring Nigerians of his impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the declaration on Thursday during a high-level dialogue at Chatham House in London, organised in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
The event was held under the theme, “Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot.”
His comments followed controversy surrounding an X account allegedly linked to him, which reportedly published a partisan post expressing support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections.
INEC had earlier denied that Amupitan operated the account, describing the allegation as digital impersonation.
Responding to questions about the controversy, the INEC chairman said he did not operate an X account and disclosed that an independent forensic review had been obtained.
He added that the matter had been referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police for investigation.
Dismissing concerns about his neutrality, Amupitan said his responsibility was to uphold the country’s legal framework rather than serve any political interest.
“My loyalty is solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act,” he declared.
He added that every constitutional institution, including the Presidency, National Assembly and state governments, was required to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
The INEC chairman also dismissed suggestions that his previous legal representation in political disputes could affect his neutrality, explaining that he had acted in his professional capacity as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria before his appointment.
He urged Nigerians to trust his leadership to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027, pointing to improvements recorded in recent off-cycle elections and technical safeguards introduced by the commission.
INEC admits 2023 election damaged public confidence
Amupitan acknowledged that the controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election had significantly weakened public confidence in the electoral commission.
“First and foremost, let me speak about what happened in 2023, which resulted in a significant trust deficit for INEC, damage so large that the Commission has not yet fully recovered from it,” he said.
He noted that the commission had learnt lessons from subsequent elections, including the governorship elections in Anambra and Osun states, where results were declared the day after voting.
The INEC chairman also identified insecurity, logistics and election result management as major priorities ahead of the 2027 polls.
On allegations of irregularities in the voters’ register, including claims of an 85 per cent increase in the number of registered voters in a ward in Ebonyi State, Amupitan said the commission had investigated and resolved the complaint in line with statutory procedures.
He explained that the Electoral Act provides opportunities for members of the public to submit claims, raise objections and request certified true copies of the voters’ register.
Amupitan further urged Nigerian youths to remain actively involved in the democratic process, warning that misinformation posed a serious threat to the country’s democracy.
“This country belongs to young Nigerians, and they must not relent in working for the Nigeria they desire,” he said.
He advised citizens to verify information before sharing or acting on it, stressing the need to protect the country’s democratic process.
