The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has admitted that many Nigerians no longer trust the country’s electoral process.
6The commission said public confidence in elections is weak, despite several reforms introduced in recent years.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, spoke at a leadership workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in Lagos on Tuesday. The three-day workshop is part of INEC’s early preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general election.
Amupitan said the workshop came at an important time, as the commission is experiencing leadership changes following the retirement of some directors and senior officials.
He stressed that INEC must focus on strong leadership, honesty and a clear sense of purpose to maintain continuity.
According to him, continuity does not mean doing things the same way, but ensuring that INEC continues to carry out its constitutional duties while adjusting to new challenges.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the INEC chairman said Nigerians expect an electoral body that is independent, transparent, professional and credible.
He explained that these expectations are guiding the commission’s current strategic planning and leadership training.
While noting that some improvements were made between 2015 and 2023, Amupitan admitted that public trust in elections remains low. He warned that democracy cannot survive without confidence in the electoral process.
He also said misinformation and fake news have badly affected how people see elections. According to him, INEC often has to defend its credibility against false claims even before voting begins.
Amupitan reassured Nigerians that INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and its own guidelines. He added that rebuilding public trust is a daily responsibility for the commission.
He said the leadership workshop shows INEC’s belief in teamwork and shared responsibility in addressing electoral risks and improving election management.
Also speaking, IFES Regional Director for Africa and Nigeria Country Director, Seray Jah, said the workshop marks the early stage of planning for the 2027 elections.
He noted that decisions taken early in the election cycle play a major role in determining the credibility of polls.
Jah said IFES has worked with INEC since 1998 to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system through support in planning, election operations, technology, institutional reforms and inclusion.
He added that the workshop allows INEC leaders to discuss key challenges such as logistics, responsible use of technology, misinformation, risks linked to artificial intelligence, internal coordination and maintaining public trust in a divided society.
The workshop brought together INEC national commissioners, senior officials and international partners to discuss leadership, institutional strength and public confidence in elections.
Jah reaffirmed IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 election period and beyond, and thanked the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for supporting efforts to strengthen democracy in Nigeria.
