Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and ensure justice to all political parties regardless of political pressure.
Abubakar gave the advice on Friday when the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), alongside his national commissioners, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Minna, Niger.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the INEC management team also paid a visit to another former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), at his Minna residence.
Pledging his support for INEC ahead of the upcoming Osun governorship poll and the 2027 general elections, Abubakar urged the commission to ensure that all elections were free, fair, credible and conducted on a level playing field.
The elder statesman acknowledged the demanding nature of leading the electoral body, describing the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most critical and challenging roles in Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“Your appointment is very, very critical to our democratic setting.
Read Also:JUST IN: Court of Appeal restores INEC’s timetable for 2027 elections
“With the politicians, you need to do a lot to gain their confidence because whatever you and your commissioners do, you will stand accused of bias one way or another.
“If anybody in the political system loses an election, you become the whipping child. They will find excuses to claim that INEC has done something wrong.
“However, with the confidence we have in you, I am absolutely sure, and I pray that you will do the best you can for this country,” Abubakar said.
He advised the electoral chief and his team to remain steadfast, ignore unwarranted distractions and strictly abide by their oath of offices.
“The INEC Chairman cannot do this job alone, but the buck stops with you. I am absolutely sure that you will abide by the oath you took.
“You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own.
“So, I wish you well and advise that you close your ears and shut your eyes, because no matter what you do, political parties will have to claim you have done something wrong. That is the nature of Nigerians.
“I hope and pray you take it in good faith because our democracy depends on all of you,” he added.
Read Also:2027: INEC extends deadline for submission of candidates’ list
Abubakar expressed confidence in the leadership and collective capacity of the commission.
He disclosed that the National Peace Committee would hold a strategic meeting in Abuja on July 29, ahead of the official signing of the Peace Accord on July 30 for the Osun governorship election.
He highlighted the Osun election as a crucial test run for the 2027 general elections and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting peaceful, transparent and credible elections across Nigeria.
Earlier in his remarks, Amupitan reassured Nigerians that their votes would count in both the Osun election and the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the visit was to honour the elder statesmen on their contributions to national stability, democracy and peacebuilding and seek their supports and pray toward the successful conduct of the Osun and 2027 general elections.
Amupitan praised the former leader’s leadership of the NPC, noting that the Peace Accord initiative had provided a vital platform for political actors to commit to non-violence.
“Your initiative and intervention, especially the Peace Accord, have not only provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence, but have also strengthened the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.
“This prevails against disharmony and discord, for which INEC is forever grateful to you, sir.
Read Also:SERAP sues INEC over alleged diversion of N800bn FAAC funds for campaigns
