The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has reaffirmed the commission's commitment to neutrality in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This declaration was made during the signing of the First National Peace Accord on Issue-Based Campaigns in Abuja on August 19, 2026, an event organized by the National Peace Committee in collaboration with the Kukah Centre.

Amupitan emphasized that INEC would act as an "uncompromising, impartial umpire" throughout the electoral process, ensuring that all candidates and political parties are treated equitably. He stated that the commission has no preference for any candidate or party, reinforcing its role in managing over 1.4 million ad hoc staff across 176,000 polling units nationwide.

As the official campaign period for the elections commenced, Amupitan urged political parties and candidates to focus their efforts on issue-based campaigns. He highlighted the importance of discussing topics that resonate with the everyday lives of Nigerians, such as economic growth, national security, healthcare, education, and social inclusion. He described elections as "competitive job interviews before the electorate," stressing that voters deserve substantive debates and clear proposals from all contestants.

In light of the growing concern over misinformation and disinformation, Amupitan issued a stern warning against the spread of false information, particularly through digital platforms. He cautioned political parties and their supporters about the dangers of unverified declarations of results, which could lead to public panic and erode trust in the electoral process. The INEC Chairman also addressed the risks posed by identity-based provocations and the potential deployment of private armed groups, stating that such actions could threaten the integrity of the elections.

On the operational front, Amupitan noted that INEC has been enhancing its logistics and technology in preparation for the elections, drawing on lessons learned from recent governorship elections in various states. He mentioned that the commission has been working for the past eight months to improve personnel training and operational readiness, aiming to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Furthermore, Amupitan indicated that new transparency measures would be introduced in the result-management process for the 2027 elections, although specific details were not disclosed. He concluded his remarks by urging all political actors to engage energetically in the electoral process while maintaining peace and avoiding violence, emphasizing that the credibility of the election results relies heavily on the cooperation of all stakeholders involved.