INEC Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support for 2027 Elections, Warns Staff Against Partisanship

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on traditional rulers in the South-East to support efforts to ensure peaceful, credible and transparent general elections in 2027, while warning its staff against partisan activities.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the appeal during a visit to the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, in Enugu as part of the commission’s nationwide assessment tour ahead of the elections.

Amupitan said the tour was designed to assess operational readiness, evaluate personnel preparedness down to the ward level and strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions.

He urged traditional rulers to encourage eligible residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), discourage voter apathy and vote-buying, and promote peace and nonviolence before, during and after the elections.

Amupitan said the presidential and National Assembly elections were scheduled for Jan. 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections would hold on Feb. 6, 2027.

He assured voters that every valid vote would count, adding that INEC was working with security agencies to protect voters, election personnel and infrastructure.

In his response, Asadu pledged the support of traditional rulers in encouraging eligible residents to collect their PVCs.

At a separate meeting with INEC personnel in Enugu, Amupitan urged staff to maintain neutrality, professionalism and accountability in carrying out their duties ahead of the elections.

He said non-sensitive election materials were arriving, contracts had been awarded to upgrade facilities, and additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) were being procured.

The INEC chairman added that staff training would cover the new Electoral Act and the guidelines for the 2027 elections. He also highlighted preparations for logistics, result management and security.

Amupitan further said the commission was working to improve staff welfare, including implementing an approved new salary structure effective from January 2026.

He expressed confidence that cooperation among INEC, traditional institutions, security agencies and electoral personnel would strengthen preparations for peaceful and credible elections.