From David Onuoja, Abuja
The head of Nigeria’s electoral body, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has admitted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), faces a significant “trust deficit” with the public and therefore, call on the Media to support and fix the deficit.
He made this remark during a courtesy visit by the Executive Committee of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, where he called on the media to help reshape the national narrative ahead of a busy cycle of polls.
According to Prof. Amupitan, the commission remains aware of the skepticism often held by the Nigerian electorate and urged the media to partner with INEC in ensuring the transparency of the electoral process is effectively communicated to the 200 million-strong population.
The Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, while responding, praised the “transparent manner” in which Professor Amupitan has managed the commission since taking office. He described Nigerian elections as a “huge logistical challenge” requiring collaboration from all stakeholders.
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As INEC ramps up preparations for several high-stakes elections, Nigeria is following a revised electoral roadmap after the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026. Key elections include the 2027 General Election (January 16, 2027: Presidential and National Assembly elections; February 6, 2027: Governorship and State House of Assembly elections) and off-cycle governorship polls in Ekiti State (June 20, 2026) and Osun State (August 8, 2026).
However, Professor Amupitan has pledged to deliver “free, fair, and inclusive” polls, emphasising the need for public trust in the electoral process.
