2027 Elections: INEC Seeks Royal Fathers’ Support To Curb Violence, Voter Apathy
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on traditional rulers in the South-East to mobilise their communities for voter participation and help prevent electoral violence.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the appeal on Monday during a visit to the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, in Enugu.
Amupitan said traditional institutions had a crucial role in ensuring peaceful elections, particularly by encouraging eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), discouraging vote-buying and urging political actors to shun violence.
He said the Commission was assessing its operational readiness ahead of the polls, with non-sensitive materials arriving, logistics being procured and additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) ordered.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on 16 January 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections were scheduled for 6 February 2027.
He also urged traditional rulers to use their influence to promote peaceful conduct among political parties, candidates and youth groups before, during and after the elections.
Amupitan disclosed that INEC was working with security agencies to tackle threats against electoral personnel, including ad hoc staff, following the reported arrest of alleged masterminds behind the kidnapping of National Youth Service Corps members.
He assured voters that the Commission remained committed to neutrality, transparency and fairness, adding that valid votes cast across the South-East would be accurately reflected in the final results.
Responding, Asadu pledged the support of traditional rulers, promising to encourage residents who had registered to collect their PVCs ahead of the elections.
In a separate engagement with INEC staff in Enugu, Amupitan warned personnel against political partisanship and misconduct, insisting that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend partly on their professionalism and accountability.
He said the Commission was preparing to train personnel on the new Electoral Act, election guidelines and regulations, while working to upgrade facilities and strengthen result management.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that a new salary structure for staff had been approved, with implementation expected to cover the period beginning January 2026.
The engagements form part of INEC’s nationwide assessment of its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
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