INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled out any possibility of postponing the 2027 general elections, insisting that the polls will take place on the dates already announced.
The Chairman of the Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance on Saturday, October 31, during an interactive meeting with electoral officials in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Amupitan said INEC had no plan to alter its election timetable, dismissing speculations that the commission might consider shifting the polls because of the Ebola outbreak and other concerns raised in some political circles.
He maintained that the commission would work within the provisions of the law and ensure that the elections were conducted as scheduled.
“Our statutory timeline is fixed. We will not change anything. The election must be held as scheduled,” the INEC chairman declared.
According to the commission’s timetable, 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 declaration comes amid growing political discussions about the possibility of a change in the election dates, particularly following concerns over public health and the country’s preparedness for the 2027 polls.
However, Amupitan’s position signals INEC’s determination to proceed with its preparations without allowing the speculations to disrupt its electoral programme.
The meeting in Port Harcourt brought together Resident Electoral Commissioners, electoral officers, administrative secretaries and heads of departments from the six South-South states.
Participants reviewed the commission’s level of preparedness and discussed operational challenges, including logistics and complaints arising from the ongoing voters’ registration process.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission would publish the final voters’ register on December 15, 2026, after addressing complaints and objections submitted during the display of the preliminary register.
He urged electoral officials to remain committed to their responsibilities and avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Amupitan further stressed that the commission was determined to deliver peaceful, transparent and credible elections, warning staff against partisanship.
He said the outcome of the 2027 elections must reflect the genuine choice of Nigerians, rather than being influenced by artificial intelligence, algorithms or other external factors.
“We will conduct elections that will move the nation forward and not an election that will bring it down,” he said.
The INEC chairman urged staff to strictly comply with the Electoral Act and maintain the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The 2027 general elections will be a major test for Nigeria’s electoral system, with political parties already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested exercise.
