The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general elections will count, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible polls.

Prof. Amupitan gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State, on Friday. Newsworld reports that the INEC chairman led a delegation comprising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides.

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Speaking during the visit, Amupitan described Abdulsalami as a father of Nigeria’s democracy, commending his role in the country’s transition to civilian rule in 1999 and his continued efforts to promote peaceful elections through the National Peace Committee. He said the Peace Accord initiative had provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence and respect for democratic principles.

The INEC chairman stressed that despite the pressures often faced by the electoral body, the Commission would remain steadfast in ensuring that the will of the electorate prevails. “Our determination is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians go out to vote with confidence that their votes will be counted and reflected in the final election results,” he said.

Amupitan also confirmed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

In his response, General Abdulsalami commended the INEC chairman and described the leadership of the electoral commission as one of the most challenging public responsibilities in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to support the Commission, expressing confidence in Amupitan’s leadership and encouraging him to remain impartial in delivering credible elections.