The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that the 2027 general elections will be free, fair and credible, insisting that every valid vote will count and that the outcome of the polls will reflect the will of the people.
The commission also dismissed claims that politicians can manipulate election results by collecting or hiding Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying technological improvements have made such tactics ineffective.
The assurance was given on Thursday in Ilorin by INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Kwara State, Dr. Adejumo Peter, during a seminar organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Dr. Peter said the commission has introduced safeguards that prevent anyone from using another person’s PVC to cast a vote.
According to him, politicians who still believe that stockpiling or confiscating PVCs can influence election outcomes are relying on outdated strategies that no longer work under Nigeria’s electoral system.
He explained that improvements in the voting process now ensure that only the rightful owner of a voter card can successfully vote during elections.
“INEC has introduced measures that make it impossible for anyone to use another person’s PVC to vote. That is why politicians have shifted their focus to vote-buying,” Peter said.
He added that politicians should abandon obsolete methods and focus on winning public support through credible campaigns.
“Many politicians are still living in the past. Stockpiling and carting away PVCs can no longer guarantee electoral victory,” he added.
Peter assured residents of Kwara State that INEC would strictly implement the Electoral Act and the commission’s operational guidelines during the 2027 general elections.
He said the commission remains committed to protecting the principle of one person, one vote, while ensuring that every valid vote is counted accurately.
According to him, Nigerians can be confident that the electoral process will remain transparent and that election results will genuinely reflect the choices made by voters.
Politicians Urged to Embrace Peaceful Campaigns
The INEC official also appealed to political parties and candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid violence before, during and after the elections.
He urged contestants to respect democratic principles by accepting the outcome of credible elections instead of resorting to conflict or actions capable of undermining public confidence.
“Let us conduct the elections peacefully like a sporting contest. They should accept the outcome of the elections,” he said.
Electoral Act 2026 Introduces Key Reforms
Also speaking at the seminar, the Head of INEC’s Legal Unit in Kwara State, Abdulfatai Atata, described the amended Electoral Act 2026 as a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said the law introduces reforms aimed at strengthening electoral transparency, improving internal democracy within political parties and expanding the use of technology throughout the electoral process.
According to Atata, these reforms have the potential to improve election credibility if they are properly implemented and enforced.
Implementation Will Determine Success
Despite the improvements introduced by the amended law, Atata noted that successful implementation remains critical.
He identified campaign finance regulation, political party administration and the effective handling of election petitions as areas that would require close monitoring to ensure the reforms achieve their intended objectives.
He stressed that strengthening democratic institutions will require continuous commitment from electoral officials, political parties, security agencies and the judiciary.
INEC Reiterates Commitment Ahead of 2027
With preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gathering momentum, INEC said it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The commission maintained that transparency, accountability and strict adherence to electoral laws will remain central to its operations as Nigerians prepare to elect new leaders.
