INEC Chairman Rules Out Any Shift of 2027 Elections
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has declared that the commission has no plan to shift the 2027 general elections, insisting the polls will hold strictly as scheduled.
Amupitan made the statement on Saturday during an interactive meeting with INEC staff and Resident Electoral Commissioners from the six South-South states in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The meeting focused on assessing the zone’s readiness for the forthcoming elections.
“Our statutory timeline is fixed. We will not change anything. The election must hold as scheduled,” the INEC chairman said, addressing claims by some political parties that the commission was considering a postponement.
He emphasised that preparations were already advanced and that the commission remained committed to conducting credible elections in accordance with the law.
According to the fixed timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections are set for Saturday, 16 January 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, 6 February 2027.
Amupitan noted that Rivers State would receive special attention because of its strategic importance and the fact that it has the highest number of registered voters in the South-South geopolitical zone.
He added that the commission was working with security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and poll officials.
The clarification comes amid recent speculation and allegations from opposition groups about possible pressure to alter the election dates.
The Federal Government had earlier dismissed such claims as unfounded.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
