The Independent National Electoral Commission has called on the National Peace Committee and other critical stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at rebuilding public trust and promoting peaceful participation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the appeal during a stakeholder briefing and presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee in Abuja.
In his address, Professor Amupitan described the erosion of public confidence in the electoral system as one of the commission’s most pressing challenges, warning that voter apathy poses a significant threat to democratic legitimacy.
He noted that the attendance of national commissioners, directors and senior management staff at the engagement underscored INEC’s commitment to electoral reform and democratic consolidation.
Describing Nigeria’s electoral landscape as diverse, complex and highly competitive, the INEC Chairman stressed that democracy must be anchored not only on legality but also on legitimacy. He therefore urged political parties to strengthen internal discipline and intensify voter mobilisation efforts, noting that declining voter turnout undermines the credibility of the democratic process.