The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has called on the National Peace Committee (NPC) and other key stakeholders to intensify efforts to restore public confidence and ensure peaceful participation in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Amupitan made the appeal on Monday, March 2, during the Stakeholder Briefing and Presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organized by the NPC at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The event brought together leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies, and representatives of civil society organizations, highlighting a shared commitment to credible and inclusive elections. Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, NPC Chairman, was represented by the Committee’s Convener, Mathew Hassan Kukah.
Acknowledging public concerns over declining confidence in elections, Prof. Amupitan described the trust deficit as a pressing challenge requiring sustained and collective action.
“For us, we appeal to the National Peace Committee to help us in the area of building trust. The trust deficit is such that anywhere you go, it is palpable. If voters will not participate, then whoever emerges… it is also in our own interest that everybody continues to participate. We’ll get it right one day,” he said.
The INEC Chairman noted that nearly all National Commissioners, alongside relevant Directors and senior management staff, were present at the briefing, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and democratic consolidation.