FIC REPORT (IMO STATE) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to conduct the 2027 general elections impartially, assuring that no political party or candidate will receive preferential treatment outside the provisions of the law. The Commission also called on political parties and other stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring credible elections.
The INEC National Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), who was represented by the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Chukwuemeka Ibeziakor, gave the assurance in a keynote address at the Second Public Lecture of the Ezinwanne Leadership Foundation in Owerri, Imo State. The lecture was themed Democratic Governance and the Challenge of Electoral Credibility in Nigeria.
Amupitan identified the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, INEC’s regulations and guidelines, and binding judicial decisions as the legal framework governing the elections, stressing that compliance with these provisions was mandatory.
He explained that institutional independence requires freedom from improper political interference, adequate resources, professional personnel and decisions guided by the law. He added that independence must be accompanied by accountability, transparent procedures, verifiable records and openness to lawful judicial scrutiny.
The INEC chairman stressed that the Commission could not deliver credible elections alone, urging political parties to strengthen internal democracy, conduct transparent primaries, maintain reliable membership registers and resolve disputes through lawful channels. He warned that manipulated primaries and violations of nomination procedures could trigger disputes and undermine the electoral process.
He noted that the Electoral Act 2026 imposes specific obligations on political parties and assured that INEC would apply the law and relevant judicial decisions without favouritism, regardless of whose interests might be affected.
Amupitan disclosed that the Commission had published its timetable for the 2027 general elections, with the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for February 6, 2027.
He urged party leaders and aspirants to respect statutory timelines, promote internal democracy, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and reject intimidation, inducement and electoral violence.
Delivering the lecture, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri (SAN) called on INEC to adopt continuous voter registration rather than opening and closing registration within designated periods. He also advocated electronic transmission of polling-unit results, the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission by the National Assembly, diaspora voting and greater transparency throughout the electoral process.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), urged lawyers to live up to public expectations, particularly when entrusted with national responsibilities.
In his remarks, the President and Founder of the Foundation, C. O. C. Akaolisa, reviewed governorship elections in Imo State since 1999 and criticised what he described as INEC’s lapses, urging the Commission to ensure a credible process in future elections.
Akaolisa also cautioned aspirants preparing for the state’s off-cycle governorship election against waiting for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s endorsement, asserting that the governor was not prepared to give such approval.
The event was attended by members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and other stakeholders in the legal and political sectors.
CHIKA ANURUNWA
ACIPRO/ANIPR
26/10/2026
