The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has openly expressed deep concern over a significant erosion of public trust in Nigeria's electoral system. Despite numerous reforms, the commission acknowledges that confidence remains fragile as it begins early strategic preparations for the crucial 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Election.
Leadership Workshop Addresses Core Challenges
This sobering admission was made at a leadership workshop organized by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for INEC's top officials. The event is taking place from January 13 to 15, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who raised the alarm, described the workshop as timely. It coincides with a period of leadership transition within INEC, marked by changes at the top and the retirement of several long-serving directors and senior staff.
Amupitan emphasized that true institutional continuity must be built on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership, and unity of vision, not merely on preserving existing structures. He clarified that continuity means the commission can faithfully execute its constitutional mandate while adapting to new realities.
Rebuilding Trust in the Face of Misinformation
While acknowledging significant electoral reforms achieved between 2015 and 2023, Professor Amupitan conceded that public trust remains weak. He issued a stark warning: "democracy cannot thrive without confidence in the process."
He pinpointed misinformation and disinformation as major factors undermining public perception. "In an era where fake news travels faster than the truth, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against orchestrated falsehoods even before the first vote is cast," he stated.
The Chairman reaffirmed INEC's commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. He stressed that this commitment would be in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC's own guidelines. He added that rebuilding public confidence is a daily operational responsibility guiding every decision the commission makes.
Early Strategic Planning for 2027
Looking ahead, Amupitan said Nigerians expect an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct, and credible in its outcomes. These expectations are driving the commission's ongoing induction and strategic retreat aimed at setting a clear direction for 2027 and beyond.
Also speaking, Seray Jah, IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, noted that the workshop marks the early strategic phase of preparations for the 2027 polls. He emphasized that the credibility of elections is largely shaped by decisions taken early in the electoral cycle.
Jah stated that IFES has partnered with INEC since 1998 to strengthen Nigeria's electoral system. The support spans strategic planning, election operations, technology deployment, institutional reform, and inclusion.
He added that the workshop provides a platform for INEC's leadership to reflect on emerging challenges. These include:
- Complex logistics
- The responsible use of technology
- Misinformation and AI-driven risks
- Internal coordination
- Sustaining public confidence in a polarized environment
The three-day workshop brought together INEC national commissioners, senior management staff, and international partners. Their deliberations focus on strategic opportunities and challenges in electoral administration, with a particular emphasis on leadership, institutional resilience, and public trust.
Jah reaffirmed IFES's commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 electoral cycle and beyond. He also acknowledged the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in promoting electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.
