The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged traditional rulers in Nigeria to use their influence to mobilise eligible voters for the 2027 general elections and help to prevent political tension during the electoral process.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the call yesterday when he led the Commission’s leadership on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, at the Iga-Iduganran Palace in Lagos.

The visit was part of INEC’s South-West zonal readiness assessment and staff interactive session, marking the commencement of the Commission’s nationwide engagement across the six geopolitical zones ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan said INEC selected the South-West, with Lagos as the starting point, because of the strategic importance of the zone and the state to Nigeria’s electoral and democratic development.

He said the Commission was not only assessing its operational preparedness but also seeking the support of traditional institutions to increase voter participation and promote peace during the elections.

The INEC chairman formally informed Oba Akiolu of the dates for the 2027 general elections, with the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

He, however, said that technology alone would not be enough to guarantee a successful election, stressing the importance of citizens’ participation.

Amupitan, therefore, urged traditional rulers to encourage eligible Nigerians in their communities to complete the required voter registration processes and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the statutory deadlines.

He also sought the intervention of the Oba of Lagos and the Lagos Traditional Council in promoting issue-based campaigns and discouraging hate speech, character assassination, inflammatory rhetoric and campaigns of calumny ahead of the election.

The INEC boss, who urged political actors to focus on policies and issues rather than personalities, said the readiness assessment was aimed at ensuring that the Commission’s personnel remained professional, neutral and impartial in the discharge of their duties.

Responding, Oba Akiolu welcomed INEC’s decision to begin its zonal readiness assessment in Lagos and expressed optimism about the success of the Commission under Amupitan’s leadership.

He urged the INEC chairman and National Commissioners to remain “honest, steadfast and unwavering” in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The monarch also called on politicians to move away from short-term patronage and embrace genuine capacity building.