INEC Assures Nigerians Every Valid Vote Will Count in 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that every valid vote will count in the 2027 general elections, reaffirming its commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections that reflect the will of the electorate.

The assurance was given on Thursday by the Head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC Kwara State, Dr. Adejumo Peter, during a seminar organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Peter said the commission would strictly adhere to its established rules and procedures to ensure transparent elections based on the principle of one person, one vote.

“INEC in Kwara will follow the rules and procedures as laid down by our commission. We will ensure that the elections are done on a one-man, one-vote basis. At the end of the exercise, the outcome of the elections will reflect the will of the people,” he said.

PVC hoarding won’t determine election outcomes

Dr. Peter also dismissed the notion that collecting or stockpiling Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) could influence election results, noting that technological advancements have significantly reduced the possibility of voter impersonation.

According to him, the commission has introduced safeguards that prevent the use of another person’s PVC to vote.

“INEC has done a lot so that people cannot use another person’s PVC to vote in an election. That is why politicians have resorted to vote-buying. Many of them are still living in the past because stockpiling PVCs cannot guarantee electoral victory,” he added.

Call for peaceful, issue-based campaigns

The INEC official urged political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than violence or other forms of electoral misconduct.

He advised contestants to present their manifestoes to voters and allow the electorate to make informed decisions at the polls.

“Political parties and their candidates should obey the rules, focus on selling their manifestoes to voters and avoid any form of violence before, during and after the elections. Elections should be conducted peacefully, and everyone should respect the outcome,” he said.

Electoral Act 2026 strengthens democracy

Also speaking at the seminar, the Head of INEC’s Legal Unit in Kwara State, Atata Abdulfatai, described the amended Electoral Act 2026 as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development.

He said the legislation introduces reforms designed to improve electoral transparency, strengthen internal democracy within political parties and expand the use of technology in future elections.

The seminar focused on preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections and the role of stakeholders in ensuring a credible electoral process.