The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has called on traditional rulers in Kogi State to support the commission’s efforts towards conducting smooth, transparent and credible elections in 2027.
Amupitan, who hails from Kogi State, made the appeal on Thursday, during an engagement with traditional rulers from the 21 local government areas of the state at Edge Drive Hotel, Lokoja.
The INEC chairman said he was in the state alongside his team to assess the preparedness of the commission’s personnel and infrastructure ahead of the 2027 general elections and the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election.
He noted that the commission was committed to strengthening its operational capacity through infrastructural upgrades and the provision of modern technological tools to ensure seamless electoral processes.
Amupitan urged the traditional institution to leverage its influence and close relationship with the grassroots to promote peaceful conduct, voter awareness and acceptance of credible electoral outcomes.
Speaking at the engagement, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Shehu Wahab, commended the traditional rulers for their sustained cooperation and synergy with the commission.
Wahab said the support of traditional institutions remained vital to the success of electoral activities, particularly in promoting peace and ensuring that citizens participate actively in the democratic process.
In their separate responses, the traditional rulers pledged to convey the INEC chairman’s message to their subjects, assuring the commission of their commitment to peaceful, transparent and credible elections in the state.
Earlier, Amupitan commissioned the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) storage centre at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja as part of activities aimed at strengthening the commission’s operational infrastructure ahead of future elections.
