By Jane Salihu
Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), has described the forthcoming Osun State governorship election as a crucial test of the country’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
Abubakar said this on Friday in Minna, Niger State, when the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, and members of the commission’s management team paid him a courtesy visit at his residence.
He stressed the need for free, fair and credible elections, urging the electoral body to remain neutral and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
According to him, the success of the Osun poll will be a significant indicator of INEC’s readiness to deliver transparent elections in 2027.
Abubakar disclosed that the NPC would hold 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.
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting peaceful electoral processes and pledged continued support to INEC in its efforts to deepen democracy.
The former Head of State acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed on the commission, noting that election management in Nigeria often attracts criticism from political actors.
He advised the leadership of the commission to remain focused and be guided by 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 in spite of external pressures.
Earlier, Amupitan said the visit was to appreciate the former leaders for their enduring contributions to national unity, democratic development and peacebuilding, and to seek their support ahead of the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
He commended Abubakar’s leadership of the NPC, 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 was committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts.
He confirmed that the Osun governorship election would hold on August 15, while the Peace Accord signing ceremony would hold on July 30.
The INEC chairman also said the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
He, however, lamented operational challenges facing the commission, particularly last-minute court rulings that affect preparations for elections.
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 the challenges, he said the commission remained determined to deploy technology, improve voter confidence and deliver credible elections.
Amupitan urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, noting that the third phase of the exercise would end on July 26.
The INEC delegation later visited a former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd), as part of efforts to engage key national stakeholders ahead of the elections.
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