ABUJA — The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has acknowledged a widening trust deficit between the commission and Nigerians, urging the media to play a pivotal role in restoring public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the appeal in Abuja while receiving members of the INEC Press Corps Executive Committee during a courtesy visit, the first formal engagement since his appointment in late 2025.
He commended the press corps for its professionalism but admitted that scepticism continues to trail Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to him, rebuilding trust will require stronger collaboration between INEC and the media, particularly in effectively communicating reforms and electoral procedures to the public.
“Transparency alone is not enough; it must be properly communicated for citizens to understand and trust the process,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, described elections in Nigeria as a complex logistical exercise requiring cooperation among key stakeholders, especially the media. He also praised Amupitan’s leadership style, describing it as transparent.
Other members of the delegation included Assistant Secretary John Onah and Welfare Director Chux Ukwuatu.
The meeting comes as INEC intensifies preparations for a series of critical elections under the Electoral Act 2026 framework.
The commission has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
Ahead of the general elections, INEC will conduct off-cycle governorship polls in Ekiti State on June 20, 2026, and Osun State on August 8, 2026.
These elections are expected to serve as key tests of the commission’s preparedness and credibility.
Amupitan, who succeeded Mahmood Yakubu, has pledged to deliver elections that are free, fair, and inclusive as Nigeria approaches a crucial electoral season.
