Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and ensure justice for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abubakar gave the charge on Friday when the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), accompanied by national commissioners and members of the commission’s management team, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

The visit formed part of INEC’s consultations with elder statesmen ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.

The commission’s management also visited former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), at his residence in Minna.

Pledging his support for the electoral commission, Abubakar called on the commission to conduct elections that are free, fair, credible and transparent, stressing that every political party must be given equal treatment irrespective of political pressure.

He acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed on the leadership of the electoral body, describing the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most demanding in Nigeria’s democratic system.

“Your appointment is very, very critical to our democratic setting.

“With the politicians, you need to do a lot to gain their confidence because whatever you and your commissioners do, you will stand accused of bias one way or another.

“If anybody in the political system loses an election, you become the whipping child. They will find excuses to claim that INEC has done something wrong.

“However, with the confidence we have in you, I am absolutely sure and I pray that you will do the best you can for this country,” he said.

The former Head of State urged the commission to remain focused on its constitutional mandate, ignore distractions and faithfully uphold the oath of office.

“The INEC Chairman cannot do this job alone, but the buck stops with you. I am absolutely sure that you will abide by the oath you took.

“You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own.

“So, I wish you well and advise that you close your ears and shut your eyes because no matter what you do, political parties will have a go at you and claim you have done something wrong. That is the nature of Nigerians.

“I hope and pray you take it in good faith because our democracy depends on all of you,” he added.

Abubakar disclosed that the National Peace Committee would meet in Abuja on July 29 ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord for the Osun governorship election scheduled for July 30.

According to him, the Osun election will serve as a critical test for the 2027 general elections, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to promoting peaceful, transparent and credible polls across the country.

Earlier, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, assured Nigerians that every valid vote would count in both the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.

He said the visit was to honour the elder statesmen for their contributions to democracy, peacebuilding and national stability, while also seeking their continued support and prayers for the successful conduct of the elections.

Amupitan commended Abubakar’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, noting that the Peace Accord initiative had become an important platform for political actors to commit themselves to peaceful campaigns and elections.

“Your initiative and intervention, especially the Peace Accord, have not only provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence, but have also strengthened the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.

“This prevails against disharmony and discord, for which INEC is forever grateful to you, sir.
“We also congratulate you on your recent 84th birthday anniversary and recognise your immense contributions to national unity.

“Since the transition period in 1999, you have been involved in peacebuilding not just in Nigeria but across Africa. History will be kind to you,” he said.

The INEC chairman confirmed that the Osun governorship election would hold on Aug. 15, while the Peace Accord signing would take place on July 30 in Osogbo.

He reiterated that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Jan. 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on Feb. 6, 2027.

Amupitan, however, lamented the operational challenges confronting the commission, particularly last-minute court orders that compel it to alter election preparations.

“Just yesterday, my Legal Director informed me of a court order directing us to add another political party after we had already printed ballot papers for Osun State.

“All those ballot papers will likely have to be cancelled and reprinted. These are some of the hurdles we face.
“Despite these issues and the trust deficiency we currently face, we continue to do our best for a successful election,” he said.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Amupitan said the commission visited the former leaders to benefit from their wealth of experience and appreciated their assurances of continued support.

He also urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), reminding prospective voters that the third phase of the exercise will close on Sunday, July 26.