The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern at Nigerians’ trust deficit on the nation’s electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, at the stakeholders briefing and presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in Abuja on Monday, blamed this on low turnout of voters during elections.
“The trust deficit is such that anywhere you go, it is palpable. It is in our own interest that everybody continues to participate,” he said.
Prof. Amupita described Nigeria’s electoral landscape as diverse, complex and highly competitive, stressing that democratic growth must be anchored not only on legality but also on legitimacy.
“Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,” he stated, and assured that INEC will continue to remain open to scrutiny and constructive criticism.
“Constitutionally, INEC is the custodian of Nigerian democracy and elections. Whatever comments are made, we don’t get angry. We take them, process them and see how we can improve,” he assured.
The INEC Chairman however emphasised that while the commission continues to refine its processes, the responsibility of credible elections cannot rest on INEC alone, and called on political parties to strengthen voter mobilisation and internal discipline, so as to reverse declining voter turnout.
He expressed concern at low voter turnout in recent elections conducted by the commission, noting that broad-based confidence in the system is essential for democratic legitimacy.
The Chairman also highlighted steps taken by the commission to improve results management and address public concerns around transparency, disclosing that additional safeguards had been introduced to ensure consistency and accuracy in results handling, which he said, were tested in recent elections.
Prof. Amupita stated that false narratives during elections undermines public confidence and could inflame tensions, and that INEC is working closely with security agencies and relevant institutions to counter disinformation and ensure factual reporting of electoral processes.
He reiterated that vote trading is criminal offense under Nigerian law, and urged law enforcement agencies to conclude investigations promptly and pursue prosecution where necessary.
Prof. Amupitan disclosed that the commission is prioritising the sanitisation of the voter register, and acknowledged concerns about duplications and outdated records.
“According to him, ensuring an authentic and credible register remains a foundational element of credible elections.
The Chairman further disclosed that INEC is considering testing additional technology in the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections to be conducted this year, to further strengthen operational preparedness.
He appealed for the timely release of election funds in accordance with the amended legal provisions, stressing that early access to resources is crucial for procurement, logistics and overall planning.
NPC Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), represented by the Convener, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to providing a neutral platform for dialogue, mediation and confidence-building.
The former head of state noted that since 2015, the Peace Accord has served as a stabilising instrument in Nigeria’s electoral process, and described the Annotated Peace Accord as a strengthened framework designed to provide clarity, guidance and preventive engagement among stakeholders.
“The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests with all of us,” he stated, calling for sustained collaboration, restraint and responsible conduct from political actors, institutions and citizens alike.
