2027: INEC has no preferred candidate, says Amupitan
In a statement ahead of the 2027 general elections, Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasized that the commission does not support any particular political candidate and remains committed to upholding the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the will of the Nigerian people. He called on military personnel involved in election security to maintain political neutrality, adhere to the rule of law, and treat all political parties and candidates impartially. Amupitan outlined five key priorities for ensuring credible elections, including collaboration among security stakeholders, enhanced training, intelligence-based operations, strict adherence to conduct codes, and professional accountability. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts against various security challenges such as insurgency, cyber threats, and misinformation, while acknowledging the role of the Armed Forces in logistical support.
2027: INEC has no preferred candidate, says Amupitan Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), affirmed on Friday that the commission has no preferred candidate in the upcoming 2027 general elections, emphasizing that its commitment lies solely with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the free will of the Nigerian people. Speaking at a seminar in Abuja titled “The Role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel in Conducting Free, Fair and Credible Elections: The 2027 General Elections in Perspective,” Amupitan called on military personnel assigned to election security to remain politically neutral, uphold the rule of law, and treat all political parties and candidates fairly. Amupitan was represented at the event by Mr. Al-Hassan Umar (SAN), the Director of Legal Services at INEC. He reiterated that the credibility of the 2027 elections hinges not just on the efficiency of electoral administration, but also on the professionalism and constitutional fidelity of all entities involved in the electoral process. “Our allegiance is solely to the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the freely expressed will of the Nigerian people,” he stated. He emphasized that military personnel engaged in election-related duties must exhibit political neutrality, respect for fundamental rights, and accountability in carrying out their responsibilities. “The Armed Forces serve the Nigerian State and the Constitution, not any political party, candidate or individual. Every interaction between military personnel and citizens during elections should reflect courtesy, discipline, restraint and professionalism,” he added. Amupitan outlined five key priorities for ensuring credible elections: sustained collaboration among election security stakeholders, intensified election-specific training and simulation exercises, intelligence-driven security operations, strict compliance with the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for security personnel on electoral duty, and unwavering professionalism, transparency and accountability. According to him, election security should be proactive, relying on intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, strategic communication and timely deployment of security resources. He highlighted the evolving security challenges facing Nigeria, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, organised political violence, cyber threats, misinformation and attacks on critical infrastructure. These challenges require coordinated responses from security agencies. Amupitan noted that INEC would continue working closely with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to assess risks, coordinate operational plans and respond to emerging threats. He also acknowledged the role of the Armed Forces in election logistics, particularly in providing strategic mobility and air transport to difficult terrains. The Nigerian Air Force, he said, has played a crucial role in transporting sensitive electoral materials to remote areas, ensuring that geographical barriers do not disenfranchise eligible voters. Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, described the seminar as timely given the country’s security challenges and preparations for the 2027 general elections. Represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the CDS said the Armed Forces would continue to operate within the provisions of the Constitution by supporting civil authorities whenever required. He stressed the need for military personnel to maintain professionalism, neutrality and respect for human rights throughout the election period. Meanwhile, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki, accused INEC of institutional bias and attempted interference in the party’s candidacy submissions. The faction, represented by the Interim National Working Committee, claimed it had validly submitted former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections despite the ongoing leadership dispute within the party. The faction alleged that INEC had refused to recognize its interim leadership, prompting the PDP to seek judicial intervention. The National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, stated that the party had manually submitted its list of candidates, including Jonathan, due to INEC’s refusal to provide access codes for electronic submission. He argued that the access codes were merely an administrative convenience and not a legal requirement. Ememobong warned that if INEC published a different list of candidates, the party would exhaust every constitutional, legal and democratic avenue to prevent its being hijacked or annexed to the ruling party. He criticized INEC for withholding material facts in court proceedings and failing to act as an impartial electoral umpire, reinforcing public perceptions of bias. The PDP accused INEC of engaging in a broader campaign to weaken opposition parties and entrench one-party dominance. Ememobong claimed that the PDP was the first target of such efforts, though the strategy had since expanded to affect nearly all opposition parties. He called on Nigerians to defend multi-party democracy, warning that electoral authoritarianism undermines democratic consolidation. As the 2027 elections approach, tensions between INEC and political factions continue to escalate, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the independence of the commission. The situation underscores the complex interplay between legal disputes, institutional neutrality and the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
Go to the primary sources (1)
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In a statement ahead of the 2027 general elections, Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasized that the commission does not support any particular political candidate and remains committed to upholding the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the will of the Nigerian people. He called on military personnel involved in election security to maintain political neutrality, adhere to the rule of law, and treat all political parties and candidates impartially. Amupitan outlined five key priorities for ensuring credible elections, including collaboration among security stakeholders, enhanced training, intelligence-based operations, strict adherence to conduct codes, and professional accountability. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts against various security challenges such as insurgency, cyber threats, and misinformation, while acknowledging the role of the Armed Forces in logistical support.
Bias read (Center): The article presents INEC's official stance on maintaining neutrality in the 2027 elections, emphasizing constitutional fidelity and impartiality. While the subject is politically charged, the framing is balanced, focusing on institutional responsibility rather than partisan advocacy. The tone is ap
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports INEC's statement that it has no preferred candidate and emphasizes its commitment to neutrality. This aligns with other sources and provides a counterpoint to the PDP faction's claims.
Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone, focusing on INEC's official statements and urging military neutrality. It avoids taking sides and presents facts objectively without editorializing.
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 7023 days ago
A faction of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki, claims it has officially nominated former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, despite internal disputes over leadership within the party. The group accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of institutional bias and undermining the party's credibility. They warned that if INEC publishes candidates from a different faction, it could erode public trust in the electoral body. The PDP is seeking judicial action to challenge a court ruling that did not force INEC to recognize their interim leadership. The party insists it submitted its candidate list manually under the Electoral Act 2026, even though INEC did not provide them with digital access codes. The PDP fears INEC may still publish candidates from rival factions within the party.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the PDP's accusations against INEC and outlines their actions without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both the PDP and its leadership, providing a balanced view of the situation without apparent bias toward one party or institution.
Why factuality (92): This article provides a clear account of the Turaki-led PDP faction submitting Jonathan's candidacy and accusing INEC of bias. It matches other sources regarding the submission and the legal challenges faced by the faction.
Why objectivity (70): The article uses phrases like 'institutional bias' and 'undermine its credibility,' which indicate a pro-Turaki stance. It frames the issue as a struggle to preserve the party's integrity, showing a clear ideological lean.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 7524 days ago
A faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Turaki, has submitted former President Goodluck Jonathan's candidacy for the 2027 Nigerian general elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite INEC's refusal to recognize the party's interim leadership. The submission was done manually due to INEC's failure to provide access codes for electronic submissions. The PDP faction claims compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and warns of legal action if INEC publishes a different candidate list. The dispute stems from a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the PDP's leadership structure, leading to the formation of the Interim National Working Committee. The PDP accuses INEC of lacking neutrality and failing to uphold impartiality during election-related proceedings.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the PDP faction's actions as lawful and justified, emphasizing their adherence to the Electoral Act and challenging INEC's perceived bias. The language suggests support for the PDP's position and criticism of INEC's impartiality, aligning with left-leaning perspectives that often側
Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the submission of Goodluck Jonathan's candidacy by the Turaki-led PDP faction to INEC, citing statements from Ini Ememobong. It aligns closely with other sources, though it omits some contextual details like the specific legal arguments made by INEC.
Why objectivity (75): The article presents the situation from the perspective of the Turaki faction, using terms like 'hijacked' and 'appendage of the ruling party,' which suggest a biased viewpoint. While it quotes officials, the framing leans toward supporting the faction's position.
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki, has manually submitted the names of its presidential candidate, former President Goodluck Jonathan, along with other candidates for governorships and the National Assembly, to Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The submission was made due to the faction's inability to access INEC's digital portal. The PDP faction claims this process complies with the Electoral Act 2026 and asserts that INEC has acknowledged receipt of the submissions. However, the faction criticizes INEC for alleged institutional bias, claiming the commission has withheld information and shown favoritism toward one side within the party. The group has also filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal against a recent judicial ruling.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the PDP faction's actions as efforts to resist 'hijacking' by the ruling party and highlights their criticism of INEC for alleged bias against them. This suggests a sympathetic portrayal of the opposition faction and implies systemic challenges faced by non-ruling parties in the选举
Why factuality (80): Article 2 confirms the PDP's manual submission of candidates to INEC and includes quotes from Ememobong. It aligns with other articles on the same topic, reinforcing the narrative of the PDP's challenge with INEC. However, it omits some specific legal references present in other accounts.
Why objectivity (80): This article appears more critical of INEC, suggesting institutional bias. While it reports facts objectively, the language carries a subtle implication that INEC is acting unfairly against the PDP, affecting overall objectivity.
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