The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has described recent legislative by-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta states as critical operational benchmarks for testing the nation's electoral infrastructure ahead of the 2027 general elections. Amupitan stated this at the INEC headquarters in Abuja while presiding over operations at the commission's National Situation Room during the by-elections.
The legislative by-elections were conducted in Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State; Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State; and Udu State Constituency of Delta State. According to the INEC chairman, every off-cycle election provides the commission with an opportunity to test and strengthen its systems ahead of nationwide polls.
Amupitan stressed that no electoral contest should be regarded as trivial or routine, saying that every election is a critical component of the broader preparations for the 2027 general elections. He noted that these exercises allow the commission to continuously audit its logistics framework, stress-test its technological deployment, and evaluate administrative field readiness.
The INEC chairman reassured Nigerians of the commission's commitment to electoral integrity, saying operational bottlenecks identified before the polls were promptly addressed. He stated that the commission's primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution, and that they were able to nip administrative or field challenges in the bud effectively.
Amupitan commended members of the Situation Room, particularly the technical team, for ensuring effective monitoring of the multi-state exercise and enabling the commission to assess field performance. He also appreciated the support of national commissioners and senior management officials who monitored the by-elections as operational reports were received from various field locations.
The by-elections provided indispensable operational lessons for the commission as it systematically charts its roadmap toward the 2027 general election. Amupitan emphasized that the commission remains committed to refining its processes so that every subsequent exercise reflects higher standards of efficiency and public confidence.
With the by-elections concluded, the INEC chairman expressed satisfaction with the commission's performance, saying that the exercise had demonstrated its readiness to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections. The commission's efforts aim to ensure that the 2027 general elections meet the expectations of Nigerians and uphold the principles of democracy.
Key points
- The by-elections tested INEC's electoral machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- INEC remains committed to refining its processes for higher standards of efficiency and public confidence.
- The commission conducted by-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta states.
