We must earn trust of young Nigerians with 2027 poll – INEC Chair

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the success of the 2027 general election will largely depend on its ability to earn the trust of millions of young Nigerians who will be voting for the first time.

Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, spoke on Friday in Lagos while delivering his opening address at the commission’s 2026 induction and strategic retreat for national commissioners, resident electoral commissioners and senior officials.

According to the chairman, the 2027 elections will be shaped by a new demographic of voters, digital natives who are often skeptical of institutions and have “little patience for opacity”.

“In pursuing this mandate, we must recognise that 2027 will be defined by a new demographic of Nigerians — millions of young citizens who will be approaching the ballot box for the very first time,” Amupitan said.

“These are digital natives who demand transparency in real-time and have little patience for opacity. It is our duty to prove to these tech-savvy, and often skeptical, young voters that INEC can be trusted.”

He added that by building inclusive systems and deploying credible technology, the commission would not only be organising an election but also “securing the lifelong loyalty of Nigeria’s future to the ideals of the ballot”.

He said INEC’s journey to 2027 would pass through key milestones, including the FCT area council elections scheduled for February 2026, as well as the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

“These elections are not just routine exercises; they are the testing grounds for our resolve and our readiness,” he said.

He added that they would allow INEC to fine-tune critical processes such as voter registry management and the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS).

Amupitan outlined five “non-negotiable” pillars guiding the commission’s work: elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive.

He also underlined his commitment to strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2022 and its amendments, warning that under his leadership, “the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system”.

He expressed confidence that the commission could rewrite Nigeria’s electoral history and position INEC as a continental model.

“The 2027 general election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history,” he said.

“Together, we will restore and uphold the trust of the Nigerian people.”