Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field for all political parties during the 2027 general elections, warning that politicians often blame the electoral body whenever they lose elections.
Abdulsalami made the appeal on Friday while receiving the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, and National Commissioners at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
He urged the commission to remain impartial and discharge its constitutional responsibilities fairly, regardless of pressure from political or non-political interests.
The former Head of State also pledged the National Peace Committee’s support for the August 15 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections, stressing the importance of conducting free, fair and credible polls.
Describing the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most demanding positions in Nigeria’s democratic system, Abdulsalami noted that electoral officials often become targets of criticism from unsuccessful candidates and political parties.
“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.
He further advised the electoral umpire to remain focused on its constitutional mandate and treat all political parties equally.
“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,” he added.
Abdulsalami also announced that the National Peace Committee would hold a strategic meeting in Abuja on July 29 ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord for the Osun governorship election scheduled for July 30.
He described the Osun poll as a crucial test ahead of the 2027 general elections and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting peaceful and credible elections.
In his remarks, INEC Chairman 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 Abdulsalami for his contributions to democracy, national unity and peacebuilding, while also seeking his continued support and prayers for the successful conduct of future elections.
Amupitan also commended the National Peace Committee for its role in promoting peaceful elections through the Peace Accord initiative.
“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,” he said.
The INEC chairman confirmed that political parties and candidates participating in the Osun governorship election would sign the Peace Accord on July 30 in Osogbo.
He, however, expressed concern over the operational challenges created by pre-election litigation, revealing that a recent court order directing the inclusion of another political party in the Osun election had made it necessary to cancel and reprint already printed ballot papers.
“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.
Addressing INEC staff in Niger State after the visit, Amupitan urged them to uphold professionalism and integrity, warning against any form of compromise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the elections would be closely monitored by Nigerians and the international community, including the African Union and foreign election observer missions.
“The whole world is watching us. We must conduct the election in a highly professional manner,” he said.
Amupitan also assured staff that the commission was improving logistics, infrastructure and welfare packages to boost operational efficiency, adding that misconduct would attract sanctions while integrity and diligence would be recognised and rewarded.
