The Foundation for Credible Elections and Good Governance Initiative has commended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, for his recent assurance that technological advancements have made ballot box snatching and result manipulation increasingly difficult in Nigeria’s electoral process.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dr. Augustus Maduka Obum, the civil society organisation described the INEC chairman’s remarks as a positive signal of the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.

According to the group, Professor Amupitan’s comments, made during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, to the INEC headquarters in Abuja, reflect growing confidence in the Commission’s deployment of technology to safeguard electoral outcomes.

“Professor Amupitan has assured Nigerians that the technology now deployed by the Commission is designed to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process and protect every valid vote during the 2027 general elections. We consider this an encouraging commitment towards deepening public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement said.

The organisation also praised what it described as the INEC chairman’s commitment to fairness and institutional independence since assuming office, noting that the Commission has continued to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without discrimination among political parties.

The group particularly referenced the Commission’s administrative handling of political parties facing legal disputes, stating that eligible parties were still provided the opportunity to upload candidates to the INEC portal in line with existing procedures and legal requirements.

According to the foundation, such actions demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that due process is followed while allowing the courts to determine outstanding legal issues.

The organisation urged political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to support INEC’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system by respecting established electoral laws and procedures.

It also called on political actors to avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process, stressing that many electoral disputes could be minimised through compliance with existing legal and institutional frameworks.

The foundation further noted that Professor Amupitan’s background as a legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) places him in a strong position to guide the Commission through the legal and administrative complexities associated with election management.

While expressing confidence in the Commission’s preparations for future elections, the group urged INEC to sustain its commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous engagement with stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

It also encouraged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process and support initiatives aimed at strengthening free, fair and credible elections across the country.

According to the foundation, credible elections remain essential to democratic stability, national development and public trust in governance institutions, making it imperative for all stakeholders to play their respective roles in safeguarding Nigeria’s electoral process.