The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that it is taking practical steps to ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, inclusive and credible. This assurance was given by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, at the 2026 edition of a political programme tagged The Convocation, in Akure. The programme's theme was “Electioneering and the Future of Nigeria’s Democracy.”
Agboke, represented by the Head of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, Olayinka Ogunseye, disclosed that INEC is testing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices to be deployed for the 2027 elections. The commission plans to conduct a test run, similar to a mock election, in November as part of preparations for the polls. This move aims to ensure the smooth operation of the electoral process.
INEC also plans to intensify voter education and sensitisation ahead of the elections to encourage greater participation and awareness among citizens. The commission seeks to assure Nigerians that it is working towards an election that would be free, fair, inclusive and acceptable. This effort is crucial in building trust in the electoral process.
The Ondo State Chairman of the Young Progressives Party, Dotun Ojon, urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process. He emphasized that election matters concern all citizens, as they determine how the country would be governed. Ojon stated that the YPP is preparing for the 2027 elections with a focus on winning seats in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
Ojon called for greater opportunities for smaller political parties to win legislative seats, arguing that a strong opposition is important for accountability in governance. He believes that this can be achieved by creating a more inclusive electoral process. The YPP's strategy for the 2027 elections prioritizes winning seats in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
A former Ondo State Commissioner for Sports, Dayo Awude, identified the high cost of electioneering and lack of internal democracy within political parties as challenges affecting the electoral process. He urged stakeholders to work together to address these issues. Awude expressed optimism that the 2027 elections would improve on some of the challenges experienced during the 2023 elections.
The convener of the programme, Henry Olonimoyo, stressed the importance of continuous dialogue in preventing young Nigerians from losing interest in democracy. He noted that many young Nigerians had never experienced military rule and were becoming disenchanted with democracy, making continued civic education and engagement important to sustaining democratic participation.
Key points
- INEC is taking practical steps to ensure free, fair, inclusive and credible 2027 general elections.
- The commission plans to conduct a test run of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices in November.
- Stakeholders emphasize the importance of voter education, internal democracy within political parties, and a strong opposition for accountability in governance.
