INEC Chairman Declares End to Ballot Box Snatching, Election Manipulation Ahead of 2027 Polls — Group Applauds Reform Push

INEC Chairman Declares End to Ballot Box Snatching, Election Manipulation Ahead of 2027 Polls — Group Applauds Reform Push

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Foundation for Credible Elections and Good Governance Initiative has praised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, for declaring that the era of ballot box snatching and election result manipulation is over.

The group described the INEC Chairman's remarks as a major confidence booster for Nigerians, saying they reflect the Commission's commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent, and technology-driven elections in 2027.

INEC Promises Secure 2027 Elections Through Technology

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, to INEC headquarters in Abuja, Professor Amupitan assured Nigerians that the Commission has deployed advanced technology capable of safeguarding every legitimate vote.

According to the Foundation's spokesperson, Dr. Augustus Maduka Obum, the Chairman's declaration sends a powerful message that electoral malpractice will no longer determine election outcomes.

> "Professor Amupitan has informed Nigerians that the technology now deployed by the Commission is strong enough to protect every vote in the 2027 general elections. This is not mere rhetoric; it is a clear signal that the dark days of electoral brigandage are behind us," the statement read.

Group Commends INEC Chairman's Independence

The Foundation noted that it has closely observed Professor Amupitan's leadership since he assumed office and expressed satisfaction with what it described as his commitment to protecting the independence of INEC.

According to the group, the Chairman has demonstrated courage by ensuring that the electoral process remains free from undue political influence, including shielding opposition political parties from unnecessary interference.

It praised his willingness to uphold fairness even when faced with politically sensitive decisions.

Opposition Parties Urged to Support INEC

The organization called on opposition parties, civil society groups, media organisations, and all democratic stakeholders to support the INEC Chairman as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

It argued that many of the controversies surrounding previous elections were largely created by political actors who violated electoral rules before blaming the Commission.

The Foundation stressed that respect for electoral laws and reduced judicial interference would significantly improve Nigeria's electoral system.

> "If political players simply obey the rules and stop using the judiciary to arm-twist the electoral process for selfish interests, many of the challenges confronting INEC would disappear," the statement added.

Foundation Praises Fair Treatment of Opposition Parties

The Foundation particularly applauded Professor Amupitan for allowing opposition political parties facing legal disputes to obtain the necessary access codes required to upload candidates onto the INEC nomination portal.

It described the decision as evidence of fairness, administrative courage, and respect for democratic principles.

According to the group, such actions demonstrate that the INEC Chairman is determined to uphold justice regardless of political pressure.

Professor Amupitan's Legal Experience Hailed

The Foundation also highlighted Professor Amupitan's credentials as a distinguished legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), describing his combination of legal expertise and institutional experience as a significant advantage for Nigeria's electoral system.

It expressed confidence that his leadership would strengthen transparency, improve electoral credibility, and restore public trust in INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nigerians Advised to Protect Democracy

The organization urged Nigerians to avoid spreading misinformation capable of undermining confidence in the electoral process while encouraging political actors across party lines to respect the independence of INEC.

It warned against actions that could intimidate election officials or compromise the credibility of future elections.

Concluding its statement, the Foundation emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of disputed elections.

> "Nigeria's democracy cannot afford another cycle of manipulated or disputed elections. The time has come for every political actor to play by the rules, respect the independence of INEC, and allow the will of the people to prevail without hindrance."

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Description: The Foundation for Credible Elections and Good Governance Initiative has praised INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan for declaring an end to ballot box snatching and election manipulation ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, citing new technology and reforms aimed at ensuring credible polls.