The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has acknowledged that the commission is grappling with a trust deficit among Nigerians but pledged reforms to restore confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amupitan made the remarks on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while addressing INEC staff after inspecting the Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in selected local government areas.

He said the commission is committed to delivering free, fair and credible elections and restoring public trust. “We are in this together to serve Nigeria and strengthen democracy. Though INEC is facing a trust deficit, we must work hard to restore confidence,” he said.

The chairman urged staff to carry out their responsibilities with honesty and professionalism, noting that their conduct ahead of the 2027 polls would shape public perception of the electoral process.

He announced that INEC would collaborate with the National Population Commission and other relevant agencies to identify citizens who have reached voting age and encourage them to participate in the CVR exercise.

Amupitan also disclosed plans for a voter revalidation exercise to update the voter register. He said the process would remove deceased persons and incorrect entries to ensure the register is accurate and credible.

During the inspection, he addressed complaints from applicants in Ikot Ekpene regarding network and login challenges, assuring that the issues would be resolved.

He expressed satisfaction with the turnout of young voters and called for intensified voter education. He directed the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom, Obo Effanga, to expand youth involvement in awareness campaigns.

Effanga thanked the chairman for visiting the state and engaging with staff, pledging that the commission would work diligently to meet its mandate ahead of the 2027 elections.