The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, to counsel political parties, candidates and supporters against violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the appeal on Sunday, September 27, 2026, during a visit to the Emir’s Palace in Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of the commission’s nationwide readiness assessment for the elections.
Peaceful campaigns
Amupitan urged the traditional ruler to discourage youths from being used for political violence and thuggery, stressing that elections should be peaceful expressions of citizens’ choices rather than “do-or-die” contests.
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He also encouraged residents of Zazzau Emirate to participate actively in the electoral process, including collecting their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and voting peacefully on election days.
The INEC chairman said the commission’s engagement with traditional rulers was part of its efforts to strengthen stakeholder participation and improve electoral preparedness across the country.
Election Dates
Amupitan said the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would take place on February 6, 2027.
He said INEC was strengthening its administrative, technological and logistical systems across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the polls.
The chairman also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency, saying the commission’s priority was to uphold the will of Nigerian voters.
Election Logistics
The Emir of Zazzau commended INEC for providing timely information on preparations for the 2027 elections, describing the engagement as important for the Emirate.
He urged the commission to address challenges recorded during previous elections, including delays in distributing sensitive and non-sensitive materials and technical difficulties involving election technology.
Bamalli also called for election equipment to be properly tested and for officials and materials to arrive at polling units on time to strengthen public confidence.
The Emir further appealed to political parties and their supporters to avoid hate speech and other actions capable of undermining peace and national cohesion.
The INEC delegation remains in Kaduna as part of its nationwide readiness assessment and is scheduled to engage staff from north-western states on Monday, September 28, 2026.
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