2027: INEC Chair seeks media support over ‘trust deficit’

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has urged Nigerian media to help reshape the significant “trust deficit” facing the commission.

The INEC boss made the call during a courtesy visit by the Executive Committee of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, the commission faces a significant “trust deficit” with the public, thus the imperative of the media to help reshape the national narrative ahead of a busy cycle of polls, including the 2027 General Elections.

It was the first formal meeting between the commission’s leadership and the specialist media group since Prof. Amupitan was appointed to the role in late 2025.

Prof. Amupitan, however commended the journalists for their professional support, noting that the commission remains acutely aware of the skepticism often held by the Nigerian electorate.

He urged the media to partner with INEC in ensuring that the transparency of the electoral process is effectively communicated to the 200 million-strong population.

The Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, who led the delegation, praised the “transparent manner” in which Prof. Amupitan has managed the commission since taking office.

Mr. Ojumu was accompanied by:
John Onah, Assistant Secretary of the Press Corps and
Chux Ukwuatu, Welfare Director.

Ojumu described Nigerian elections as a “huge logistical challenge” that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders to succeed.

The meeting comes as INEC ramps up preparations for several high-stakes elections. Nigeria is currently following a revised electoral roadmap following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

The commission has scheduled the next nationwide polls for early 2027:
January 16, 2027: Presidential and National Assembly elections; as well as February 6, 2027: Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

There are also off-cycle governorship elections before the 2027 general elections, in Osun and Ekiti states.

These “off-cycle” elections are often seen as indicators of the commission’s readiness for the national stage.

While Ekiti State: was scheduled for June 20, 2026; Osun State was scheduled for August 8, 2026.

Prof. Amupitan, who succeeded Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has pledged to deliver “free, fair, and inclusive” polls as the country enters this intensive electoral window.