2027: INEC assures Nigerians votes will count, urges politicians to obey electoral rules | Nigeria News

Nigerians have been assured that their votes will count in the upcoming 2027 general elections, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pledging to conduct credible polls that truly reflect the will of the electorate. Dr. Adejumo Peter, Head of Voter Education and Publicity for INEC in Kwara State, stated that the commission would operate within its constitutional mandate to ensure election outcomes align with public wishes.

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INEC has introduced measures that make it impossible for anyone to use another person’s PVC to vote. That is why politicians have resorted to vote-buying.

Peter dismissed outdated tactics like stockpiling Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that INEC has implemented measures to prevent their misuse, leading some politicians to resort to vote-buying. He stressed that such practices are ineffective for securing victory and reiterated INEC's dedication to the "one person, one vote" principle.

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Many politicians are still living in the past because stockpiling or carting away PVCs cannot guarantee electoral victory.

"INEC in Kwara will follow the rules and procedures laid down by the commission. We will ensure that elections are conducted on the basis of one person, one vote," Peter affirmed. He urged politicians to engage in peaceful campaigns, present their manifestos, and avoid violence before, during, and after the elections, advocating for sportsmanship and acceptance of results.

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INEC in Kwara will follow the rules and procedures laid down by the commission. We will ensure that elections are conducted on the basis of one person, one vote.

Furthermore, Atata Abdulfatai, Head of INEC’s Legal Unit in Kwara State, highlighted the amended Electoral Act 2026 as a significant milestone. He noted its reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, strengthening internal party democracy, and expanding technology use. However, Abdulfatai also pointed out potential legal and practical challenges, including constitutional consistency, enforcement of campaign finance limits, and judicial jurisdiction over party affairs, emphasizing that the law's success hinges on effective implementation and judicial interpretation.

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I urge politicians to play by the rules. They should campaign and present their manifestoes to the electorate. They should shun violence before, during and after the elections.