By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has enlisted the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, and the Lagos Traditional Council as key partners in promoting peace, civic participation and credible elections ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the call on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, during a courtesy visit to the monarch at Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island, at the conclusion of the Commission’s South-West Zonal Readiness Assessment and Staff Interactive Session.
Amupitan said the Commission was seeking the support of traditional institutions because technology alone could not guarantee a successful electoral process.
“We are here today to formally enlist Your Royal Majesty and the Lagos Traditional Council as powerful partners in keeping the peace and safeguarding our democracy,” he said.
The INEC Chairman urged the monarch to use his influence to mobilize Lagos residents to participate actively in the electoral process, including completing voter registration, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and turning out to vote.
He said Nigeria’s National Register of Voters was fast approaching 100 million, stressing that managing elections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory required not only technical preparedness by INEC but also the cooperation and moral support of traditional institutions.
Amupitan described traditional rulers as enduring anchors of society whose influence transcends political cycles, urging the monarch to counsel politicians to conduct issue-based campaigns and shun inflammatory rhetoric.
“Let them debate policies, not personalities,” he said.
The INEC Chairman formally requested the monarch’s royal blessings for the Commission’s leadership, staff and ad hoc personnel to be deployed nationwide, as well as his support in encouraging residents to complete voter registration and collect their PVCs.
He also sought continued advocacy for peace among community leaders, market associations, youth groups and political actors.
Responding, Oba Akiolu welcomed the Commission’s appeal and urged politicians to move away from short-term patronage towards genuine capacity building and meaningful engagement with citizens.
The monarch called for issue-based campaigns devoid of hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric, while urging traditional rulers to play a stronger role in encouraging citizens, particularly young people, to participate in the democratic process.
“As Royal Fathers, it is our solemn duty to guide our communities and inspire citizens to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic franchise,” he said.
Oba Akiolu further charged the INEC leadership to remain honest, steadfast and committed to its constitutional responsibilities.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to ensure full and timely funding for elections and provide the Commission with the resources required to effectively discharge its mandate.
