From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the support and collaboration of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and mobilising citizens ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The appeal was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, at Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The visit marked the conclusion of the Commission’s South-West Zonal Readiness Assessment and Staff Interactive Session.
Prof. Amupitan formally enlisted the Oba of Lagos and the Lagos Traditional Council as partners in promoting peaceful elections and strengthening democratic participation.
“We are here today to formally enlist Your Royal Majesty and the Lagos Traditional Council as powerful partners in keeping the peace and safeguarding our democracy,” he said.
He stressed that elections should be viewed as civic exercises that allow citizens to freely choose their leaders, rather than as contests characterised by conflict and violence.
The INEC Chairman said that while the Commission was deploying technology to strengthen the electoral process, the support of traditional institutions remained crucial to the success of the 2027 elections.
“Technology alone cannot build a democracy; people do,” Prof. Amupitan said, urging the monarch to use his influence to mobilise Lagos residents to participate actively in the electoral process.
He also noted that Nigeria’s National Register of Voters was fast approaching 100 million, making the cooperation of traditional institutions essential to managing the electoral process across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Prof. Amupitan described traditional rulers as enduring anchors of society whose influence extends beyond political cycles.
“Political parties and electoral commissions come and go, but the traditional institution remains the permanent anchor of our communities,” he said.
He further urged the Oba of Lagos to use his position to caution politicians against divisive conduct as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The INEC Chairman called on political actors to focus on issues and policies rather than insults and personal attacks.
He presented three major requests to the monarch: royal blessings for INEC leadership, staff and ad-hoc personnel; support for voter registration and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs); and continued advocacy for peace among community leaders, market associations, youth groups and political actors.
Responding, Oba Akiolu welcomed the Commission’s appeal and urged politicians to move away from short-term patronage and focus on genuine empowerment and capacity building.
He also called for issue-based campaigns devoid of hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric.
“As Royal Fathers, it is our solemn duty to guide our communities and inspire citizens to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic franchise,” the monarch said.
Oba Akiolu also urged the INEC leadership to remain honest, impartial and steadfast in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He called on the Federal Government to ensure adequate and timely funding for elections and provide INEC with the resources required to effectively discharge its mandate.