INEC Enlists Oba Akiolu for 2027 Elections Support

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has engaged the support of Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, and the Lagos Traditional Council for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This initiative aims to promote peace, enhance voter participation, and encourage civic engagement in the electoral process.

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan made this appeal during a courtesy visit to Oba Akiolu at the Iga Idunganran Palace in Lagos Island, coinciding with the conclusion of INEC’s South-West Zonal Readiness Assessment and Staff Interactive Session. Amupitan emphasized that the responsibility of preparing for the elections cannot rest solely on INEC and formally requested the traditional institution's collaboration in maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections.

He highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in fostering community engagement and preventing electoral violence, stating that elections should be seen as civic celebrations rather than sources of conflict. Amupitan also noted that Nigeria's National Register of Voters is nearing 100 million, underscoring the need for strong voter participation to ensure the credibility of the elections.