Electoral body says every valid vote will count as it promises transparent polls based on one person, one vote
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that every valid vote will count during the 2027 general elections, promising a credible electoral process that reflects the choice of voters.
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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.
Dr Peter said the commission would strictly follow established electoral guidelines and procedures to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted on the basis of fairness, transparency and 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.
The INEC official also dismissed concerns that the collection or illegal possession of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) could be used to manipulate election outcomes, explaining that improvements in election technology have reduced the effectiveness of such practices.
According to Dr Peter, some politicians still rely on outdated strategies, noting that biometric verification and other safeguards have made it difficult for individuals to vote using another person’s credentials.
“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 said.
He urged political parties and candidates to prioritise issue-based campaigns by presenting clear policies and programmes to voters rather than engaging in violence or electoral malpractice.
Dr Peter advised stakeholders to respect electoral rules and accept the outcome of the process, stressing that peaceful elections remain essential to strengthening democracy.
“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 added.
Also speaking at the seminar, the Head of INEC’s Legal Unit in Kwara State, Atata Abdulfatai, described the amended Electoral Act 2026 as an important reform aimed at improving Nigeria’s democratic process.
Abdulfatai said the new legislation introduces measures designed to strengthen transparency, encourage internal democracy within political parties and expand the role of technology in electoral activities.
The comments come as political parties and election stakeholders begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with voter confidence, security and electoral credibility expected to remain key issues ahead of the polls.
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INEC has repeatedly emphasised that improving public trust in elections will depend on strict adherence to electoral laws, effective voter education and the commitment of all stakeholders to a peaceful democratic process.
