Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Abdulsalami Abubakar, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and ensure justice for all political parties, regardless of political pressure.
The retired general gave the charge on Friday when the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, alongside his national commissioners, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
During the visit, which also included a stop at the residence of former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami underscored the critical nature of the electoral body’s responsibilities, particularly ahead of the upcoming Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
“Your appointment is very critical to our democratic setting,” Abdulsalami told the delegation. “With the politicians, you need to do a lot to gain their confidence because whatever you and your commissioners do, you will stand accused of bias one way or another. If anybody in the political system loses an election, you become the whipping child. They will find excuses to claim that INEC has done something wrong.”
The former Head of State urged the commission to remain steadfast, ignore unwarranted distractions, and strictly adhere to their oath of office. He emphasised that the INEC chairman must act as an independent arbiter, serving all political parties equally.
