… Fair To All Political Parties
Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and resist political pressure as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Abdulsalami gave the charge on Friday when the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), accompanied by National Commissioners, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
The elder statesman stressed the need for the electoral umpire to ensure justice for all political parties and conduct elections that are free, fair and credible.
“You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own,” Abdulsalami said.
He acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed on the INEC chairman, noting that electoral officials often face criticism from politicians regardless of the outcome of elections.
“Whatever you and your commissioners do, you will stand accused of bias one way or another. If anybody in the political system loses an election, you become the whipping child,” he said.
Abdulsalami urged the electoral commission to remain focused on its constitutional mandate and not be distracted by political pressures.
“I advise that you close your ears and shut your eyes because no matter what you do, political parties will claim you have done something wrong. I hope you take it in good faith because our democracy depends on all of you,” he added.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the National Peace Committee to peaceful elections, announcing that the committee would hold a strategic meeting in Abuja on July 29 ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord for the Osun governorship election on July 30.
According to him, the Osun governorship poll scheduled for August 15 will serve as a critical test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission remains committed to conducting credible elections and that every valid vote would count.
“Your initiative and intervention, especially the Peace Accord, have provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence and strengthened the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people,” Amupitan said while commending Abdulsalami’s contributions to democracy and peacebuilding.
He disclosed that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
