INEC Chairman Urges Political Actors to Embrace Civility Ahead of 2027 Elections
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Epherim Gad
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to embrace civility, issue-based campaigns and constructive engagement as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s next general elections.
The appeal was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, who urged political actors to channel their mobilisation activities towards meaningful discussions on policies, governance and legislative priorities rather than confrontational politics.
Prof. Amupitan stressed the importance of maintaining a peaceful and orderly political environment, particularly as political parties and aspirants begin to intensify their activities ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
According to the Commission, political competition should provide citizens with an opportunity to assess competing ideas and programmes for national development. It therefore urged political leaders to focus their campaigns on issues capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.
The Chairman cautioned against inflammatory statements and rhetoric capable of heightening tensions among supporters or threatening peaceful political participation.
He emphasised that democratic competition should not be reduced to personal attacks, hostility or violence, but should instead encourage informed debate and constructive engagement among political actors and the electorate.
The Commission's position comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum, with political parties expected to commence or intensify consultations, mobilisation and internal preparations ahead of the election timetable.
INEC has also continued to emphasise the importance of citizens' participation in the electoral process, including voter education and access to relevant information through the Commission's established channels and portal.
The Commission said cooperation among political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders would remain essential to the success of the electoral process.
It urged political actors to respect electoral laws and administrative procedures while working with INEC to ensure that eligible Nigerians are able to participate in the democratic process without intimidation or unnecessary barriers.
The Commission further stressed that public confidence in elections depends not only on the conduct of election-day activities but also on the behaviour of political actors throughout the electoral cycle.
In Abuja, where the Federal Government, political parties and several national institutions are based, preparations for the 2027 elections are expected to generate increasing political activity in the coming months. Across the states, political parties are also expected to expand grassroots mobilisation and begin positioning themselves for the electoral contest.
INEC said the political environment must remain peaceful as these activities increase, warning that inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of undermining public confidence could negatively affect the democratic process.
The Commission therefore called on political parties and their supporters to treat opponents with respect and allow citizens to make electoral choices freely.
Prof. Amupitan also encouraged political stakeholders to view the electoral process as a collective responsibility rather than a contest in which the interests of one group must necessarily come at the expense of another.
The Chairman's appeal reinforces the Commission's broader responsibility to promote credible, peaceful and inclusive elections while ensuring that political participation remains open to eligible Nigerians.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections, INEC said sustained cooperation, responsible political communication and respect for democratic rules would be critical to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
The Commission urged all stakeholders to place national interest above partisan confrontation and use the forthcoming political season to present Nigerians with clear policies, realistic programmes and constructive ideas for national development.
