INEC Chief Calls on Tribunal Judges to Ensure Fairness Before 2027 Polls

{ "articleTitle": "INEC Chief Urges Tribunal Judges to Prioritize Justice Over Technicalities Before 2027 Polls", "articleDescription": "Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Joash Amupitan addressed members of the 2027 Election Petition Tribunals in Abuja on Monday, urging them to ensure fairness and resist technicalities that could undermine electoral justice ahead of the upcoming general elections.", "articleBody": "

Amupitan Addresses Tribunal Members at Workshop

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Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), addressed members of the 2027 Election Petition Tribunals in Abuja on Monday, November 9, 2026. Speaking during opening remarks at a three-day workshop organized by the Court of Appeal, Amupitan urged tribunal members to avoid technicalities that undermine justice and to ensure that the truth of the ballot prevails.

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The workshop, themed \"Election Tribunal as a Tool for Political Stability,\" took place at the Body of Benchers Complex. It brought together Justices of the Court of Appeal and tribunal members ahead of the 2027 General Election.

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Focus on Digital Evidence and Electoral Integrity

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Amupitan emphasized the increasing complexity of resolving electoral disputes, citing issues related to voter accreditation, electronic transmission of results, technological failures, and digital records. He specifically urged tribunal members to apply appropriate legal standards for electronic evidence, particularly regarding the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

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The INEC chairman also warned against the use of artificial intelligence-generated disinformation, audio cloning, and deepfake videos. He called on courts to ensure that digital evidence is properly verified to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

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Tribunal Composition and Judicial Independence

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During the event, chairmen and members of the 2027 Election Petition Tribunals were sworn in. Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun unveiled the Second Edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual (JEM), 2026.

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Justice M. B. Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, disclosed that 375 judicial officers were nominated to serve on the tribunals. This group includes 138 returning members with previous experience and 237 newly nominated members.

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Dongban-Mensem urged tribunal members to maintain judicial independence and resist improper influence. He advised them to avoid unnecessary adjournments and ensure that fairness is not compromised in the pursuit of speedy justice.

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2027 Election Timeline

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The 2027 General Election is scheduled to commence on January 16, 2027, for Presidential and National Assembly elections. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are set for February