The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has acknowledged a growing “trust deficit” between the electoral body and the Nigerian public, urging the media to play a more active role in rebuilding confidence ahead of a crucial electoral cycle.
Amupitan made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving members of the INEC Press Corps Executive Committee during a courtesy visit, the first formal engagement between the commission’s leadership and the media group since his appointment in late 2025.
The INEC chairman commended the press corps for its continued professional engagement, noting that the commission is fully aware of the skepticism that often surrounds Nigeria’s electoral process.
He stressed the need for a stronger partnership with the media to ensure that electoral procedures and reforms are clearly communicated to citizens.
According to him, transparency alone is not enough; it must also be effectively conveyed to the public to rebuild trust in the system.
Earlier, Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, described Nigeria’s elections as a complex logistical exercise that requires collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly the media.
Ojumu, who led the delegation, commended Amupitan for what he called his “transparent approach” to managing the commission since assuming office.
Other members of the delegation included Assistant Secretary John Onah and Welfare Director Chux Ukwuatu.
The meeting comes as INEC intensifies preparations for a series of critical elections under the revised framework of the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Before the general elections, INEC will conduct off-cycle governorship polls in two South-West states, seen as key indicators of its readiness.
The election in Ekiti State is due to take place on June 20, 2026, while that of Osun State will take place on August 8, 2026.
These elections are expected to serve as a litmus test for the commission’s operational efficiency and credibility ahead of the nationwide polls.
Amupitan, who succeeded Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has pledged to deliver elections that are “free, fair, and inclusive,” as Nigeria enters what is expected to be an intense and closely watched electoral season.
