ABUJA, July 1, 2026 – The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, has declared that the era of ballot box snatching and manual alteration of election results in Nigeria is over, insisting that new technologies will secure the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, to INEC headquarters.
According to him, the commission’s improved electoral systems and legal framework will ensure that every vote counts and is protected from manipulation.
He stressed the need for
early voter education ahead of the 2027 polls, warning that voter apathy and misinformation remain major threats to credible elections.
“We need to explain to them why their vote is important and how our new laws and technology help keep their choices safe,” he said.
Amupitan added that INEC must reach citizens at all levels, including rural farmers, market traders, and disillusioned urban youths, to build trust in the electoral process.
He noted that the presidential ele
ction is scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship elections will hold on February 6, 2027, adding that preparations must begin immediately.
“This shows that even though our technology is getting better, people are not keeping up with how the system is changing,” he said, warning that early civic engagement is essential for credible elections.
The INEC Chairman reiterated that waiting until the eve of elections to educate voters would undermine efforts to strengthen democracy in Nigeria.
The development comes as electoral stakeholders continue to emphasize reforms aimed at improving transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s voting system.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.