Trust On Ballot: INEC Boss Admits Credibility Gap, Seeks Media Alliance Ahead Of 2027 Polls
In a country where electoral credibility often shapes public confidence in governance, Nigeria’s electoral umpire has openly acknowledged a growing trust gap and is turning to the media as a critical partner in rebuilding it.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, says the commission is grappling with a significant “trust deficit” among Nigerians, urging journalists to play a more active role in restoring faith in the electoral process.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Executive Committee of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja, Professor Amupitan described the media as vital to shaping public perception, especially as the country prepares for a demanding cycle of elections.
He noted that while INEC remains committed to transparency, effectively communicating its processes to over 200 million Nigerians is essential in rebuilding credibility.
The visit marks the first formal engagement between the commission’s leadership and the Press Corps since Amupitan assumed office in late 2025.
Leader of the delegation, Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, commended the INEC boss for what he described as a transparent approach to leadership so far.
He, however, stressed that Nigeria’s elections remain a complex logistical exercise requiring strong collaboration among stakeholders.
Ojumu was joined by Assistant Secretary, John Onah, and Welfare Director, Chux Ukwuatu.
The meeting comes at a crucial time as INEC intensifies preparations for a series of key elections under the revised Electoral Act 2026.
The commission has slated the 2027 general elections for January 16 (Presidential and National Assembly) and February 6 (Governorship and State Assemblies), while off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are scheduled for June 20 and August 8, 2026, respectively.
These off-cycle polls are widely seen as critical tests of INEC’s readiness ahead of the national elections.
Professor Amupitan, who succeeded Professor Mahmood Yakubu, reaffirmed his commitment to delivering elections that are free, fair, and inclusive, as Nigeria enters another decisive electoral season.
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