INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent 2027 Elections, Says Every Vote Will Count

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in 2027, assuring Nigerians that every valid vote will count.

Speaking at the 2026 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Democracy Roundtable in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC's Assistant Director of Voter Education and Planning, Magdalyn Aku, said the commission remains focused on strengthening public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process.

Aku explained that ensuring every vote counts is a core responsibility of the electoral body and not just a campaign slogan. She stressed that INEC is committed to protecting the rights of voters and remains neutral throughout the election process.

According to her, the commission has continued to improve its election management system through technological innovations, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which promotes transparency by allowing election results to be uploaded and viewed in real time.

She also noted that election results are displayed at polling units before being electronically transmitted, while emphasizing that INEC is working to ensure that persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are fully included in the electoral process.

Aku urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying, describing the ballot as a powerful tool for democratic change.

Also speaking at the event, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, said credible elections require the cooperation of all stakeholders, including journalists, civil society groups, security agencies, political parties, and voters.

Legal practitioner Frank Tietie called on INEC to protect its independence, insisting that election outcomes should be determined at polling units rather than in courtrooms.

Representatives of civil society organizations also advocated greater use of BVAS and supported plans to establish an Election Situation Room to monitor the 2027 general elections and enhance election reporting and voter protection.

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