The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started deploying non-sensitive materials to zones as it prepares for the 2027 general election. Acting Chairman of INEC, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, announced this in Abuja at a benchmarking meeting with Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Gumus stated that the commission had completed nine of its scheduled activities and was preparing for the next phase. The deployment of non-sensitive materials is a significant step towards the election.
Gumus revealed that the commission's leadership had concluded a tour of the country's six zones to assess their level of preparedness. The tour aimed to evaluate the zones' readiness, identify challenges, and determine the necessary actions. Following the tour, Gumus expressed confidence in the commission's progress towards the election. She also mentioned that capacity building was underway for staff at the headquarters and in the states.
The production of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has been completed, and distribution to states is well advanced. Gumus stated that most states had received their PVCs, and collection was ongoing. She encouraged voters to collect their PVCs, emphasizing its importance for the election. The commission is also procuring and deploying Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices.
Gumus addressed the issue of diaspora voting, stating that the commission could not proceed with it due to the current electoral law. She explained that the law did not provide for diaspora voting, and an amendment would be necessary to implement it. The commission is working to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the election.
A delegation from Kenya's IEBC, led by Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina, visited INEC to benchmark ahead of Kenya's general election in August 2027. Parashina stated that the team was studying how Nigeria handled its diaspora population and special voting groups. Kenya aims to widen voting rights for citizens living abroad.
Parashina noted that Nigeria's election, which would come in two rounds, would be closely watched across Africa. He emphasized the significance of Nigeria's democratic process, given its status as the largest democracy on the continent. The Kenyan team is interested in learning from Nigeria's experiences.
The INEC acting chairman and the Kenyan High Commissioner exchanged ideas on electoral processes, with INEC's directors holding an interactive session with the Kenyan team. The session aimed to share knowledge and best practices between the two electoral commissions.
Key points
- INEC begins deployment of non-sensitive materials for 2027 general election.
