Jane Salihu
Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has described the forthcoming Osun State governorship election as a crucial benchmark for Nigeria’s electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abubakar stated this on Friday in Minna, Niger State, while receiving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), and members of the commission’s management team during a courtesy visit to his residence.
The elder statesman stressed the importance of conducting free, fair and credible elections, urging the electoral umpire to maintain neutrality and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
According to him, the success of the Osun poll will serve as a significant indicator of the commission’s readiness to deliver transparent elections in 2027.
He disclosed that the National Peace Committee would convene a strategic meeting in Abuja on July 29, ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord for the Osun governorship election scheduled for July 30 in Osogbo.
Abubakar reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting peaceful electoral processes across the country and pledged continued support to INEC in its efforts to strengthen democracy.
The former Head of State acknowledged the enormous responsibilLity placed on the electoral commission, noting that election management in Nigeria often attracts criticism from political actors.
He advised the commission’s leadership to remain focused and guided by the principles of fairness and justice.
“Your appointment is very critical to our democratic system. No matter what INEC does, political parties may still accuse the commission of bias, especially when election outcomes do not favour them.
“However, you must remain faithful to your oath of office and ensure justice for all political parties. INEC belongs to every Nigerian and not to any particular political interest,” he said.
Abubakar expressed confidence in the leadership of the commission and urged its officials to remain steadfast despite external pressures.
Earlier, Amupitan said the visit was aimed at appreciating the former leaders for their enduring contributions to national unity, democratic development and peacebuilding, while also seeking their support ahead of the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
He commended Abubakar’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, describing the Peace Accord initiative as a vital instrument for promoting peaceful elections and discouraging political violence.
“Your intervention through the Peace Accord has strengthened democratic values and encouraged political actors to commit themselves to peaceful conduct before, during and after elections,” he said.
Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission remained committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts in future elections.
He confirmed that the Osun governorship election would hold on Aug. 15, while the Peace Accord signing ceremony is scheduled for July 30.
The INEC chairman also reiterated that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on Jan. 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for Feb. 6, 2027.
He, however, lamented operational challenges confronting the commission, particularly last-minute court rulings that affect election preparations.
According to him, a recent court order directing INEC to include an additional political party in the Osun election may necessitate the reprinting of already-produced ballot papers.
Despite such challenges, he said the commission remained determined to deploy technology, improve voter confidence and deliver credible elections.
Amupitan also urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, noting that the third phase of the registration would close on July 26.
The INEC delegation later visited former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), as part of efforts to engage key national stakeholders ahead of the upcoming elections.
