Trending 
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast in the 2027 general elections will count.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
He was accompanied by a delegation of National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and technical aides.
The INEC chairman described Abdulsalami as a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that his role in the country’s transition to civilian rule in 1999 laid the foundation for the current democratic system.
He also commended the former Head of State’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, saying its Peace Accord initiative has encouraged political actors to embrace non-violence and helped strengthen the country’s electoral process.
Amupitan said the visit was intended to appreciate Abdulsalami’s contributions to democracy, peaceful elections and national stability, while also congratulating him on his 84th birthday.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting credible elections despite the challenges facing the electoral body.
According to him, INEC remains determined to ensure that Nigerians can vote with confidence, knowing their choices will be accurately reflected in election results.
“The Commission’s determination under my leadership was to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes would be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” describing this as “the core assurance INEC owed the electorate,” he said.
The commission also confirmed that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 6.
Responding, Abdulsalami urged Nigerians to support INEC as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
