The Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, has called on all stakeholders in the electoral process to work collectively towards ensuring the credibility, transparency and success of the 2027 General Elections.
Senator Lalong made the call while speaking at the World Press Conference and National Stakeholders Meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of preparations for the 2027 General Elections and the presentation of the revised schedule of activities for the elections.
He said the responsibility of ensuring credible elections does not rest solely with INEC, but requires the active participation and cooperation of political parties, security agencies, election observers, electoral officials, the media, citizens and the international community.
According to him, every stakeholder has a defined role to play in strengthening the electoral process and supporting INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate.
Senator Lalong particularly stressed the important role of the media in the electoral process, noting that the media must continue to report developments objectively, highlight challenges, document improvements and provide citizens with accurate information that will enable them to make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in the democratic process.
He also urged citizens to have confidence in the electoral system and actively participate in elections, stressing that the integrity of democracy is strengthened when citizens believe that their votes will count and that their choices will be respected.
The former Governor of Plateau State called for greater synergy among all stakeholders, warning that the electoral process must not be undermined by individuals or groups pursuing personal or narrow political ambitions.
Senator Lalong assured INEC and Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue to work assiduously with relevant institutions and stakeholders to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for elections and ensure that the nation’s democratic process continues to develop.
He commended INEC for engaging stakeholders early and for taking steps towards ensuring adequate preparation for the 2027 General Elections, saying that sustained engagement was necessary to identify challenges early and address them before election day.
Also speaking at the meeting, his House of Representatives counterpart commended INEC for its proactive approach and efforts towards preparing for the forthcoming elections, noting that the success of the electoral process requires cooperation from all stakeholders.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, in his remarks, outlined the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, while engaging stakeholders on the revised timetable and other preparations for the 2027 General Elections.
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