By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has urged the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, to use his position to promote non-violent and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Amupitan made the appeal on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the Emir’s Palace in Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of INEC’s nationwide Zonal Readiness Assessment and Interactive Staff Engagement for the 2027 elections.
The INEC chairman urged the traditional ruler to counsel political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence, particularly the recruitment of youths for political thuggery.
He also called for increased voter participation, urging residents of the Zazzau Emirate to take part in all stages of the electoral process, including the collection of Permanent Voter Cards and peaceful voting on election days.
Amupitan said INEC had fixed Saturday, January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would be held on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
He said the Commission was strengthening its administrative, technological and logistical preparations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that early planning and stakeholder engagement were critical to conducting credible elections.
According to him, INEC remains committed to neutrality, fairness and transparency, with no interest other than ensuring that the will of Nigerian voters prevails.
Responding, the Emir of Zazzau commended the INEC chairman for the engagement, saying it had provided the Emirate with useful information on the Commission’s preparations and the 2027 election timetable.
Bamalli identified fairness, justice, a level playing field, security, timely dissemination of information and prompt release of results as key requirements for a successful electoral process.
He also urged INEC to address challenges experienced during previous elections, particularly delays in the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials and technical difficulties associated with election technology.
The Emir called for election equipment to be adequately tested before deployment and for election officials and materials to arrive at polling units on time to boost public confidence in the process.
He further appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid hate speech and other actions capable of undermining national cohesion.
The INEC chairman and his delegation are expected to continue the readiness assessment in Kaduna, with an engagement with staff from states in the North-West scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026.
