2027 Elections: INEC Charges Stakeholders, Parties on Collaboration

2027 Elections: INEC Charges Stakeholders, Parties on Collaboration

By Amarachi Igboanusi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and strictly adhere to the revised electoral timetable to ensure free, fair, and credible 2027 General Elections.

The appeal was made by the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako, during the 2027 General Elections Stakeholders’ Forum held on Thursday at Rockview Hotel, Owerri.

Ibeziako said credible elections require the collective commitment of all stakeholders, stressing that while INEC is constitutionally mandated to conduct elections, the success and integrity of the electoral process depend on the active participation of political actors, institutions, and citizens.

According to him, the forum was convened to assess progress on the implementation of the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 polls, identify emerging challenges, and strengthen partnerships ahead of the elections. He also conveyed the goodwill of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Josiah Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and appreciated participants for attending despite the short notice.

The REC urged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the electoral timetable and comply with its timelines, noting that elections are a continuous process that elections are not isolated events but a series of carefully planned activities that begin long before polling day

The forum featured discussions involving representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, persons with disabilities, government agencies, and the media. Stakeholders raised concerns over voter registration, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and sought assurances that every legitimate vote would count.

In an interview with journalist, Ibeziako expressed concerns over the large number of uncollected PVCs in INEC offices across the state’s local government areas, due to financial constraints faced by some registered voters. He called on political parties, the media, and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the importance of collecting PVCs.

He assured that INEC, through its Voter Education and Publicity Department, would strengthen voter sensitisation efforts, stressing that possession of a PVC remains a prerequisite for accreditation and voting on election day.

On leadership disputes within political parties, the REC reminded party officials that INEC recognises only duly authenticated party leadership reflected in its official records and urged parties to formally communicate any legitimate changes in their leadership or organisational structure.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to credible elections, Ibeziako described the voters’ register as the foundation of the electoral process and called on all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, patriotism, and due process in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. He commended participants for their turnout, describing their attendance as a demonstration of their commitment to credible elections and democratic consolidation.