The Independent National Electoral Commission has expressed confidence in the technology-driven electoral reforms, saying the measures outlined by the commission Chairman, are capable of ending ballot box snatching and result manipulation in the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where he pledged that ballot box snatching and result manipulation would no longer undermine the country’s electoral process.
Reacting to the development, the chairman, foundation for Credible Elections and Good Governance Initiative in a statement by it spokesman, Dr. Augustus Obum on Wednesday said INEC chairman’s remarks reflected confidence in the technology deployed by the electoral commission to safeguard votes and strengthen public trust in the electoral system.
“Professor Amupitan has informed Nigerians that the technology now deployed by the Commission is strong enough to protect every vote in the 2027 general elections,” the statement said.
“This is not mere rhetoric; it is a clear signal that the dark days of electoral brigandage are behind us.”
The group said the assurance demonstrated INEC’s commitment to delivering free, fair and credible elections, while also highlighting efforts by the commission to strengthen its operational independence and neutrality.
According to the organisation, Amupitan has continued to demonstrate institutional independence in the discharge of his responsibilities, a development it said should inspire confidence among political parties, voters and other stakeholders ahead of the next general elections.
The foundation also called on opposition parties, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to support the commission’s preparations for the 2027 polls.
It argued that many of the challenges previously associated with Nigeria’s electoral process were often caused by the actions of political actors rather than shortcomings within the electoral management body.
“If political players would simply abide by the rules of the game and stop using the judiciary to arm-twist the electoral process for selfish ends, a significant number of the challenges confronting INEC would not arise in the first place,” the group stated.
The organisation further commended the commission for allowing opposition parties involved in legal disputes to retain access to the INEC portal for candidate submissions, describing the decision as evidence of fairness, transparency and administrative impartiality.
Expressing confidence in the leadership of the electoral body, the group cited Amupitan’s legal background as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and expressed optimism that the commission would continue to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
The foundation urged Nigerians to support ongoing electoral reforms and warned political actors against actions capable of undermining the credibility of future elections.
“Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford another cycle of manipulated or disputed elections. The time has come for every political actor to play by the rules, respect the independence of INEC, and allow the will of the people to prevail without hindrance,” the statement added.
