By Our Reporter
Ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold the highest standards of integrity by conducting elections that are free, fair, transparent and acceptable to all Nigerians, warning that the credibility of future elections remains the foundation upon which the nation’s democracy rests.
The revered monarch made the call while receiving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, and a delegation of top officials from the Commission during a courtesy visit to the ancient palace in Ile-Ife.
Speaking before traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the INEC delegation, the Ooni stressed that Nigerians expect elections that truly reflect the will of the people and inspire confidence across political, ethnic and religious divides.
He noted that the electoral umpire occupies one of the most sensitive positions in the country and must remain impartial, courageous and committed to justice in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
According to the monarch, the future of Nigeria’s democratic system depends largely on the credibility of its electoral process, urging the Commission to ensure that every eligible voter has confidence that his or her vote will count.
The Ooni said the appointment of Professor Amupitan as Chairman of INEC was based on proven competence and professional integrity, expressing confidence in his capacity to provide purposeful leadership at a critical period in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“I want to say that you are capable. You were not merely handpicked. You earned this responsibility because of your capacity and capability. We are proud of you and we believe you have what it takes to strengthen our democracy,” the monarch declared.
He urged the INEC leadership not to allow external pressure, political influence or vested interests to compromise the Commission’s constitutional mandate, insisting that only credible elections can guarantee national peace, political stability and sustainable development.
The traditional ruler further emphasized that transparent elections would strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions, reduce post-election disputes and reinforce Nigeria’s image within the international community.
Ooni’s intervention comes at a significant time as political parties intensify consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with increasing public attention focused on the preparedness and neutrality of the electoral commission.
The visit by the INEC chairman is widely viewed as part of the Commission’s engagement with critical national stakeholders, including traditional institutions, whose influence continues to play an important role in promoting peaceful elections, civic responsibility and voter participation.
The Ooni reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to supporting peaceful democratic processes, urging Nigerians to shun electoral violence, hate speech and vote-buying while participating actively in the nation’s electoral process.
His remarks add to growing calls from civil society groups, religious leaders and other stakeholders for INEC to conduct elections that are transparent, technologically efficient and acceptable to all contestants, thereby consolidating Nigeria’s democratic gains.
With preparations for future elections gradually taking shape, the monarch’s message places renewed responsibility on the electoral commission to deliver polls that command public trust and strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.
 to uphold the highest standards of integrity by conducting elections that are free, fair, transparent and acceptable to all Nigerians, warning that the credibility of future elections remains the foundation upon which the nation's democracy rests.){kind=link}