Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, don call on National Peace Committee (NPC) and other key stakeholders to help rebuild public trust in Nigeria electoral system ahead of the 2027 Nigerian General Election.
Amupitan make the appeal on Monday during stakeholders briefing and presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord wey hold for Abuja.
The meeting bring together leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies and civil society groups to discuss how to ensure peaceful and credible elections for the country.
Trust Deficit Still Big Concern
According to statement from INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, the electoral commission say rebuilding trust among voters now very important.
Amupitan explain say lack of confidence in the electoral process still remain major challenge.
“The trust deficit plenty. Everywhere you go, people dey talk about am. If voters no participate, the democracy process go suffer,” he talk.
He add say the election process must remain transparent so that whoever win election go get both legal authority and public legitimacy.
INEC Open To Criticism
The INEC chairman also say the commission ready to accept constructive criticism from Nigerians.
According to am, the responsibility of conducting credible elections no rest on INEC alone but also involve political parties, civil society organisations and citizens.
He call on political parties to improve voter mobilisation and strengthen discipline among their members.
Peace Committee Reaffirms Commitment
Former Head of State and chairman of the National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, wey send representative for the meeting, reaffirm the committee commitment to peaceful elections.
The former leader was represented by Matthew Hassan Kukah, convener of the peace committee.
According to Abdulsalami, the Peace Accord wey start since 2015 don help reduce political tension during elections in Nigeria.
He explain say the Annotated Peace Accord now serve as stronger framework to guide political actors and promote dialogue, restraint and responsible behaviour among stakeholders.
He add say protecting Nigeria democracy na responsibility of all citizens and institutions across the country.
