Okechukwu Urges INEC to Ensure Credible Elections for 2027

Osita Okechukwu, the former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), called on Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to prioritize the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections. In a statement made on Sunday in Enugu, Okechukwu highlighted that credible elections are crucial in combating intra-party impunity.

His comments followed Amupitan’s recent appeal to political parties to adhere to internal democracy principles during a courtesy visit to former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar in Minna, Niger. Okechukwu noted that Amupitan has consistently addressed the importance of internal democracy, referencing similar statements made in Akwa Ibom in March 2026 and in Abuja in June 2026.

He argued that political parties are more likely to respect democratic principles when electoral processes are credible and transparent, which compels party leaders to align with the electorate's wishes. Conversely, he warned that a lack of transparency in elections could lead to increased internal conflicts and impunity within parties.