The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission has no preferred candidate or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan gave the assurance during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of activities preceding INEC’s zonal interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment for the 2027 elections.

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The INEC Chairman described traditional institutions as important stakeholders in the electoral process because of their grassroots influence and reach. He said the commission had commenced preparations early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria.

According to him, INEC is moving away from last-minute preparations by testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems ahead of the polls. He stressed that neutrality, fairness and transparency would remain central to the commission’s conduct of the election.

“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” Amupitan said.

He also urged the Emir and other traditional rulers to use their influence to discourage political parties, candidates and supporters from engaging in violence and hate-driven campaigns. Amupitan called on young people not to allow themselves to be used for political violence and urged eligible voters to participate in the electoral process, including the forthcoming collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Responding, the Emir of Zazzau commended the INEC delegation for engaging traditional institutions on preparations for the 2027 elections. Bamalli urged the commission to ensure that sensitive electoral materials and equipment reach polling locations on time and that all devices are thoroughly tested before deployment.

The Emir also emphasised the need for adequate security, timely dissemination of election-related information and prompt announcement of results, saying these measures are important for strengthening public confidence in the electoral process. He equally urged political parties and their supporters to avoid hate speech and other conduct capable of threatening national unity.