Barely three weeks to the Osun State Governorship election, a High Court has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include another political party in the ballot after ballot papers had already been printed, chairman of the commission, Prof Joash Amupitan said on Friday.

According to him, while all those ballot papers will likely have to be canceled and reprinted, INEC would continue to do its best for a successful election.

Amupitan revealed this when he led top management team of INEC on a courtesy visit to a former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd) to his residence in Minna, Niger State, a day they also paid a visit to former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd).

Abdulsalami told Amupitan to remain impartial, ensure justice for all political parties regardless of political pressure and should not be distracted because politicians are difficult to please.

Amupitan reassured Nigerians that their votes would count in both the Osun election and the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the visit was to honour the elder statesmen for their ongoing contributions to national stability, democracy, and peacebuilding, as well as to seek their support and prayers toward the successful conduct of the Osun governorship and 2027 general elections.

Amupitan praised Abubakar’s leadership of the NPC, adding that the Peace Accord initiative had provided a vital platform for political actors to commit to non-violence.

The INEC Chairman said, “Your initiative and intervention, especially the Peace Accord, have not only provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence, but have also strengthened the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.

“This prevails against disharmony and discord, for which INEC is forever grateful to you, Sir. We also congratulate you on your recent 84th birthday anniversary and recognize your contributions to national unity.

“Since the transition period in 1999, you have been involved in peace building not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. History will be kind to you.”

The INEC Chairman confirmed that the Osun governorship election will be held on August 15, with the Peace Accord signing set for July 30 in Osogbo.

He also reaffirmed that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16 2027, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027.

Amupitan assured Babangida and Abubakar that in spite of operational challenges, including frequent pre-election litigation, INEC remains committed to delivering inclusive elections and incorporating modern technology into its processes.

He decried the lack of a strong democratic culture among political actors, citing instances where sudden court orders force INEC to reprint ballot papers at short notice.

“Just yesterday (Thursday), my Legal Director informed me of a court order directing us to add another political party after we had already printed ballot papers for Osun State.

“All those ballot papers will likely have to be canceled and reprinted. These are some of the hurdles we face. Despite these issues and the trust deficiency we currently face, we continue to do our best for a successful election”, he said.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Amupitan said that the commission sought to draw from the wealth of governance experience from the elder statesman.

He expressed delight that both former leaders commended INEC’s dedication and pledged their continued support.

Amupitan urged eligible voters to participate actively in the democratic process, reminding citizens that the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise closes on Sunday, July 26

Abdulsalami pledged his support for INEC ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15 and the 2027 general elections, with a call on the commission to ensure that all elections are free, fair, credible, and conducted on a level playing field.

He acknowledged the demanding nature of leading the electoral body, describing the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most critical and challenging roles in Nigeria’s democratic framework.

Abdulsalami said, “Your appointment is very, very critical to our democratic setting. With the politicians, you need to do a lot to gain their confidence because whatever you and your Commissioners do, you will stand accused of bias one way or another.

If anybody in the political system loses an election, you become the whipping child.

They will find excuses to claim that INEC has done something wrong. However, with the confidence we have in you, I am absolutely sure and, I pray that you will do the best you can for this country.”

He advised Amupitan and his team to remain steadfast, ignore unwarranted distractions, and strictly abide by their oath of office.

“The INEC Chairman cannot do this job alone, but the buck stops with you. I am absolutely sure that you will abide by the oath you took. You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own.

“So, I wish you well and advise that you close your ears and shut your eyes, because no matter what you do, political parties will have a go at you and claim you have done something wrong. That is the nature of Nigerians.

“I hope and pray you take it in good faith because our democracy depends on all of you”, he added.

While expressing confidence in the leadership and collective capacity of INEC, Abdulsalami disclosed that the National Peace Committee would hold a strategic meeting in Abuja on July 29, ahead of the official signing of the Peace Accord on July 30 for the Osun governorship election.

He highlighted the Osun election as a crucial test run for the 2027 general elections and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting peaceful, transparent, and credible elections across Nigeria. (AriseNews TV)