Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has confirmed that the electoral body supports no specific candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Represented by Director of Legal Services Al-Hassan Umar, Amupitan emphasized that the commission is guided exclusively by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the desires of the Nigerian electorate.
Addressing a seminar on the military’s role in the electoral process, Amupitan called on the Armed Forces to remain politically neutral. He insisted that military personnel must perform their security duties with discipline and professionalism, serving the state rather than any political faction. The commission outlined five priorities for successful elections, including intelligence-led operations, enhanced training, and strict adherence to established codes of conduct.
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting civil authorities while upholding the rule of law. Oluyede noted that the military will leverage lessons from recent state-level elections to refine their strategy for 2027. Both INEC and the defense leadership emphasized that the success of the upcoming elections relies on seamless inter-agency cooperation and the protection of fundamental human rights.
