The Independent National Electoral Commission has pledged to build on the gains recorded during the August 15 Osun State governorship election as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, made the commitment on Thursday when he received a delegation of political parties, civil society organisations, community leaders, youth and women groups, among other stakeholders, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation visited to commend INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and the commission for the conduct of the Osun election.
Representing Amupitan, Haruna said the commission remained determined to improve the electoral process and deliver elections that meet democratic standards.
He said, “We are committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections. As you agree with me, all the past elections we’ve had, each one has always been better than the one before.”
Haruna added that the commission would use the experience gained from the Osun election to strengthen preparations for the 2027 polls.
He said, “God willing, the next general election, there will be an improvement on Osun and, ultimately, the general election itself next year, there will be an improvement.”
The delegation, led by its convener, Obed Agu, said its visit was intended to appreciate the electoral body rather than protest against it.
Agu said the group had assessed INEC’s preparations before the election, the conduct of the poll, security arrangements, results management and engagement with stakeholders.
He said the process had helped restore some confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system, citing what he described as improved voter participation and real-time transmission of results.
According to Agu, voter turnout in the election exceeded 40 per cent, while the electronic uploading of results allowed citizens to monitor the process.
He stressed that the commendation was based on the conduct of the election and not on the fact that an opposition candidate emerged victorious.
Agu said, “It is not basically because it was won by an opposition political party.”
He urged INEC to raise the standard further in 2027, particularly by ensuring equal treatment for voters and political parties.
He added, “We also ask INEC and the leadership of INEC to please do better than what they have done in Osun so that the faces of Nigerians will smile.”
The delegation also called on INEC to preserve its independence, transparency and fairness in future elections.
It commended the roles played by the Federal Government and security agencies in creating what it described as a conducive environment for the Osun election.
The group further expressed confidence in Amupitan, saying his approach to political parties, adherence to electoral timelines and commitment to institutional independence had strengthened stakeholders’ trust in the commission.
“Professor Amupitan, you have earned confidence,” the delegation said, while urging INEC to sustain the progress and deliver an even better electoral process in 2027.
