The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has urged political parties and candidates to commit to peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the signing of the First National Peace Accord by political parties and candidates.
He said the credibility of the elections depended not only on INEC but also on the conduct of political actors and their supporters.
“The credibility of our elections does not rest solely on the electoral umpire. It also depends on the conduct of political actors, candidates and their supporters.”
With campaigns and rallies set to commence on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the INEC chairman urged politicians to avoid character assassination, identity politics and inflammatory rhetoric.
“By signing this Accord, you are committing to an issue-based campaign.”
Amupitan said political leaders must ensure that the commitments in the Peace Accord were respected by their supporters and campaign structures across the country.
“It is not the signatures written on this Accord today that preserve democracy; it is the character of the leaders who hold the pen.”
He also warned against incitement, private armed groups and digital disinformation, saying such practices could undermine the electoral process before Election Day.
“The Peace Accord must not remain a document signed in Abuja. Its commitments must reach every campaign structure, every ward and every grassroots supporter.”
He urged political parties and candidates to promote peace, responsible campaigning and respect for democratic rules throughout the electoral process.
“The success of the 2027 elections will ultimately be measured not only by what happens on Election Day, but by how political actors conduct themselves before, during and after the polls.”