The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has called on media organisations to help reshape the national narrative ahead of the 2027 polls, citing a significant public trust deficit in the commission.

In a statement made available to TVC News on Thursday, Amupitan made the remarks while receiving the Executive Committee of the INEC Press Corps in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Amupitan admitted that the commission faces a significant “trust deficit” with the public.

The statement revealed that it was the first formal meeting between the commission’s leadership and the specialist media group since Professor Amupitan was appointed as the INEC Chairman in late 2025.

During the engagement, Amupitan commended the journalists for their professional support, noting that the commission remains acutely aware of the scepticism often held by the Nigerian electorate.

He urged the media to partner with INEC in ensuring that the transparency of the electoral process is effectively communicated to the 200 million-strong population.

The Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, who led the delegation, praised the “transparent manner” in which Professor Amupitan has managed the commission since taking office.

The statement also revealed that Ojumu was accompanied by John Onah, the Assistant Secretary of the Press Corps, and
Chux Ukwuatu, Welfare Director.

Ojumu described Nigerian elections as a “huge logistical challenge” that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders to succeed.

The statement disclosed that, “the meeting comes as INEC ramps up preparations for several high-stakes elections. Nigeria is currently following a revised electoral roadmap following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.”

The commission has scheduled the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly polls for January 16, 2027, following public appeals over a previously announced date that clashed with Ramadan.

INEC also scheduled the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections for February 6, 2027.

Before the general elections, the commission faces critical “litmus tests” in two southwest states where the electoral cycles are out of sync with the rest of the country.

These “off-cycle” elections, which include Ekiti State Scheduled for June 20, 2026 and Osun State Scheduled for August 8, 2026 are often seen as indicators of the commission’s readiness for the national stage.

Professor Amupitan, who succeeded Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has pledged to deliver “free, fair, and inclusive” polls as the country enters this intensive electoral window.