Joash Amupitan has called on staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prepare diligently for the task of delivering credible elections, stressing that restoring public confidence in the electoral body must be a top priority ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The INEC chairman made the appeal on Friday during a visit to the commission’s secretariat in Uyo, where he met with staff after inspecting the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in parts of the state.
Amupitan noted that the commission was committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system, acknowledging that INEC currently faces a growing trust deficit among citizens. According to him, the only way to address the concern is through transparent and credible electoral processes.
“As we build up to 2027, we must understand that we are in this together to serve Nigeria and strengthen democracy. Though INEC is already having a trust deficit, whatever we are doing in Abuja must be reflected at every level,” he said.
He urged officials of the commission to carry out their duties with honesty, professionalism and courtesy, noting that the conduct of INEC staff would directly shape public perception of the 2027 elections.
“What we owe Nigerians is free, fair and credible elections. The expectations of the people must be met so that whoever emerges from the process is truly the will of the people,” Amupitan stated.
The INEC chairman also revealed plans for a comprehensive revalidation of the voters’ register to improve the accuracy of the electoral database. He explained that the exercise would help identify and remove the names of deceased persons and others who are no longer eligible to vote.
In addition, Amupitan said the commission would collaborate with the National Population Commission and other relevant agencies to track Nigerians who have reached voting age and ensure they are registered.
He further encouraged INEC staff to take an active role in promoting public awareness about the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing that voter education should not be limited to the commission’s Voter Education and Publicity Department alone.
“Encourage people in your communities to come out and register while assuring them that their votes will count,” he said.
Responding on behalf of staff, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Obo Effanga, appreciated the chairman for visiting the state and interacting with personnel at registration centres.
Effanga assured the INEC leadership that the Akwa Ibom office would work diligently to deliver credible elections in line with the commission’s mandate ahead of the 2027 polls.
During the inspection tour, Amupitan visited several CVR centres in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, where officials and registrants raised concerns about network disruptions and login difficulties affecting the registration process.
The chairman assured them that the technical challenges would be addressed promptly, while also expressing satisfaction with the high turnout of young people participating in the registration exercise. He called for intensified voter education to further boost participation across the state.
