Former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) has advised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to try to win the confidence of politicians.
Abubakar, who spoke on Friday when he received the INEC team in his Minna residence, warned Prof. Amupitan that he would be accused of bias if anybody in the political system loses an election.
“They will find excuses to claim that INEC has done something wrong,” the former head of state said, adding that with confidence, he would succeed in his assignment.
He advised Prof. Amupitan and his team to remain steadfast, ignore unwarranted distractions, and abide by their oath of office.
“The INEC Chairman cannot do this job alone, but the buck stops with you. I am absolutely sure that you will abide by the oath you took.
“You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own.
He further advised him to “close your ears and shut your eyes, because no matter what you do, political parties will have a go at you and claim you have done something wrong. That is the nature of Nigerians.
“I hope and pray you take it in good faith because our democracy depends on all of you.”
He expressed confidence in the leadership and collective capacity of the commission, disclosing that the National Peace Committee (NPC), which he heads, would hold a strategic meeting in Abuja on July 29, ahead of the official signing of the Peace Accord on July 30 for the Osun governorship election.
The former head of state described the Osun governorship election as a test run for the 2027 general elections.
He reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment to supporting peaceful, transparent, and credible elections across Nigeria.
Prof. Amupitan, in his remarks, reassured Nigerians that their votes would count in both the Osun governorship and the 2027 general elections.
He stated that the visit was to honour the elder statesmen for their ongoing contributions to national stability, democracy, and peacebuilding, as well as to seek their support and prayers toward the successful conduct of the Osun governorship and 2027 general elections.
The INEC Chairman noted that the Peace Accord initiative had provided a vital platform for political actors to commit to non-violence in elections.
“Your initiative and intervention, especially the Peace Accord, have not only provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence, but have also strengthened the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.
“This prevails against disharmony and discord, for which INEC is forever grateful to you,” he said, and congratulated General Abubakar on his recent 84th birthday anniversary and for his contributions to national unity.
