The Independent National Electoral Commission says it remains focused on delivering credible elections ahead of the 2027 general polls despite what it described as smear campaigns and attacks on its integrity.
Speaking during an interview on Adamimogo FM, the Head of Voter Education and Publicity for INEC in Lagos, Taiwo Gbadegesin, said the commission would not be distracted by criticism from political actors or media attacks targeted at its leadership.
Gbadegesin stated that INEC has a constitutional mandate to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, insisting that comments aimed at undermining the institution would not affect its operations.
He also noted that recent media attacks directed at the chairman of the electoral body, Joash Amupitan, would not in any way compromise the credibility of elections conducted by the commission.
He urged Nigerians to jettison misconceptions that fuel voter apathy, noting that corrupt politicians are the beneficiaries of such practices
The INEC official further identified consensus candidacy as one of the major causes of low voter turnout, explaining that many citizens become discouraged when candidates are imposed without the support of party members and voters.
He urged political parties to uphold fairness and democratic principles during candidate selection processes to encourage wider participation in elections.
Gbadegesin added that INEC would continue engaging stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections as part of efforts to increase voter participation and tackle the causes of electoral apathy.
