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• Says misinformation, disinformation also major threats
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has admitted that beyond logistical and technical challenges, rebuilding public trust, tackling voter apathy and combating misinformation and disinformation remain some of the commission’s biggest battles ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amupitan stated this on Monday at the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with staff and readiness assessment for the 2027 general election.
He said while the commission’s performance in the Osun State off-cycle governorship election demonstrated what INEC could achieve when operational discipline, technical competence and administrative integrity worked together, that success had also raised expectations for the nationwide polls.
According to him, the challenge in 2027 would be significantly greater because the commission would be conducting simultaneous elections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The performance of the commission in the Osun State off-cycle governorship election demonstrates what it is truly capable of when operational discipline, technical competence and administrative integrity converge.
“The public praise we received from that exercise belongs to you — the men and women in this room and your colleagues across the states who stayed up through the night, protected the integrity of the ballot, and ensured that the vote of the citizen counted.
“However, success is a demanding master. The praise of yesterday raises the expectations of tomorrow. Osun was a single-state exercise; 2027 will be a simultaneous national assignment across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
Amupitan said the commission must now prove that the performance recorded in Osun was not an isolated success.
“If Osun showed Nigerians what we can do, 2027 must prove to the world that excellence is our permanent culture, not an occasional coincidence.
“We must also be entirely honest with ourselves about the complex environment in which we operate.
“Beyond the logistical and technical hurdles, our greatest battle lies in overcoming a lingering trust deficit, confronting widespread voter apathy, and defeating the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation.
“Today, a single malicious fake news post or deepfake can travel across millions of screens in seconds,” he said.
The INEC chairman warned that false narratives gained greater traction when administrative failures provided grounds for public suspicion.
“But let me be clear: false narratives only gain traction when our administrative execution falters.
“When a polling unit opens late, when an officer displays nonchalance or perceived bias, or when technical glitches are met with silence, we inadvertently validate the cynics, deepen voter apathy and fuel disinformation.
“The conduct, competence and character of our staff in the field are either our strongest defence against fake news, or its biggest catalyst,” he said.
Amupitan’s comments align with concerns raised in recent election-readiness assessments that public confidence remains one of INEC’s most consequential challenges ahead of the 2027 polls, alongside the need for clear communication and consistent application of electoral procedures.
On logistics, Amupitan disclosed that the commission had commenced the procurement and distribution of new operational pick-up vehicles to state and local government offices nationwide.
“Crucially, as part of our concrete commitment to solving field logistics, I am pleased to announce that the commission has commenced the procurement and distribution of brand new operational pick-up vehicles, which are currently being dispatched to state offices and LGAs nationwide.
“This fleet deployment will significantly boost the mobility, security and operational efficiency of our staff across all terrains,” he said.
The INEC chairman also assured staff that the commission was working on improved welfare and remuneration.
“I assure you of my full support and the commission’s commitment to prioritising your welfare and security.
“We are at an advanced stage of implementing a new salary and welfare package for INEC staff, commission members and Resident Electoral Commissioners,” he said.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission had earlier confirmed ongoing engagement with INEC on improved funding and remuneration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amupitan urged staff to recognise that the credibility of the 2027 election would depend not only on technology and logistics but also on their professionalism, neutrality and conduct before, during and after the polls.
