The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has urged presidential candidates and political parties to conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan warned that political actors who promote violence could put the country at risk, stressing that there would be no winner if Nigeria suffered because of the election.
He spoke on Tuesday in Abuja during the signing of the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 general elections, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The INEC chairman urged presidential candidates to focus on their manifestos and explain how they plan to solve the country’s major problems instead of attacking their opponents.
“Presidential candidates, if you speak the language of peace, they will act with peace; if you incite them, they will ignite,” he said.
“Let us compete decently, but let us remember that at the end of this exercise, there will be no winner if Nigeria is not the winner.
“Focus on what and how. Tell the voters what you will do for the economy, security and education and how you intend to achieve it.”
He added, “Let the 2027 campaign be a marketplace of ideas, not a theatre of war.”
Speaking about the Peace Accord, Amupitan urged the politicians to take the agreement seriously and see it as a commitment to millions of Nigerians they want to serve.
“The document you are about to sign is not a mere piece of paper. It is a covenant and a social contract with the Nigerian people, and it is a contract with statutory and constitutional flavour,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman also urged political parties and candidates to obey electoral laws, respect institutions and engage in constructive criticism.
He warned them against announcing victory before the official results are declared and against spreading information that could reduce public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Amupitan also raised concerns about the effect of digital communication on elections. He warned politicians and voters about misinformation, disinformation and foreign attempts to influence Nigeria’s electoral process.
He restated INEC’s commitment to remaining neutral in the 2027 elections, saying the commission had no preferred candidate or political party.
“Let me state unequivocally that INEC has no interest in who wins or loses any election, nor does it favour any political platform. Our only interest is a lawful, transparent, credible and inclusive process,” Amupitan said.
According to INEC’s timetable, the official campaign for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The elections are scheduled to hold on January 16, 2027.
