“There Will Be No Rigging, Your Vote Will Count in 2027” – INEC Chairman Amupitan Gives Nigerians Assurance

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that their votes will count and determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

The INEC chairman, who was accompanied by National Commissioners and top directors, said the commission is committed to protecting the integrity of the ballot despite the challenges of conducting elections in Nigeria.

“The Commission’s determination under my leadership is to see ordinary Nigerians go out and vote, confident that their votes will be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” he said.

He described ensuring that votes count as “the core assurance INEC owes the electorate.”

Amupitan also announced the official timetable for the 2027 polls.

According to him, the *Presidential and National Assembly elections* will hold on *January 16, 2027*, while *Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections* are scheduled for *February 6, 2027*.

The INEC boss described Gen. Abdulsalami as “the father of democracy in Nigeria” for leading the country’s transition to civilian rule in 1999. He said the former Head of State remains “a pillar of support for INEC.”

He also commended the National Peace Committee’s Peace Accord initiative, saying it has helped promote peaceful elections and strengthened “the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.”

Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation,” Amupitan congratulated Abdulsalami on his 84th birthday.

In his response, Gen. Abdulsalami urged Nigerians to support INEC as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum