The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed confidence in its preparations for the 2027 general election, citing significant progress in implementing its 14-point timetable. With 113 days to the January 16, 2027, Presidential and National Assembly elections, INEC Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs. Helen Ajayi, disclosed that the Commission was currently concluding the ninth activity on the timetable. The election timetable has been translated into a coordinated programme of activities across the Commission's 23 departments and directorates, 36 state offices, the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local government areas.
According to Ajayi, some activities have been completed, while others are ongoing or yet to commence. The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise has been concluded, along with the display of the preliminary register of voters for claims and objections. The generation of the PDF register for nationwide display is ongoing, alongside the synchronisation of CVR data. Preparations for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are underway, and the public will be informed once the cards are ready.
On logistics, Ajayi said procurement and delivery of non-sensitive electoral materials to state offices had commenced to provide adequate lead time for distribution and deployment. The Commission has also undertaken various training programmes, including capacity building for personnel on Grade Levels 8 to 16 at the state level. Voter education is another area where INEC has made progress, with preparations underway for intensified voter education covering voting procedures, accreditation, and the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Despite INEC's optimism, experts have raised concerns over funding, communication, and public trust. Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Kudu, a board member of West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), said democracy without accountability was "a transaction without receipt." He warned that gaps remained in funding, communication, and public trust, and urged INEC to continuously educate voters, communicate with stakeholders, and earn public trust through transparency.
Kudu also raised concerns over Sections 63, 137, and 138 of the Electoral Act relating to ballot authenticity and the integrity of election officials. He insisted that BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal were not optional luxuries, but essential tools for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The expert urged the incoming leadership of INEC to maintain neutrality, release funds down the implementation ladder, and communicate daily.
The Democracy and Governance Forum, organised by WADR in Abuja, brought together stakeholders to discuss INEC's preparedness for the 2027 general election. The forum was part of a project supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), titled "Voices for Democracy and Freedoms in West Africa." The project aims to respond to pressures on democratic resilience, including shrinking civic space, disinformation, and weaknesses in accountability.
The Managing Director of WADR, Agnes John-Thomasi, said the Abuja forum was part of a broader effort to promote democratic resilience in West Africa. She called on the media to remain professional, respect ethics, and report impartially throughout the electoral process. The forum featured a panel discussion, with pro-democracy activist Ene Obi, public policy analyst Jide Ojo, and veteran journalist Topsy Gimba, who urged the media to hold the political class accountable.
Key points
- INEC has made significant progress in implementing its 14-point timetable for the 2027 general election.
- Experts raise concerns over funding, communication, and public trust in INEC's preparations.
- The Commission has commenced nationwide zonal readiness assessments to assess preparedness at state and local government levels.
