The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced a comprehensive plan to ensure a successful 2027 general elections. Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan emphasized the importance of credibility in the electoral process, citing the conduct and competence of officials at polling units as crucial. He made these remarks at a North-West zonal interactive meeting with staff in Kaduna, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. Amupitan stressed that the commission had learned from previous elections and recent off-cycle polls.
The 2027 general elections are scheduled to take place on January 16 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and February 6 for governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections. Amupitan identified several challenges facing the electoral process, including voter apathy, declining public trust, and misinformation. He warned that delays in opening polling units, perceived bias by officials, and poor response to technical problems could exacerbate public distrust in the commission. INEC aims to address these issues through strengthened technology and result management systems.
To improve the electoral process, INEC has enhanced its voter verification and result transmission mechanisms. The commission conducted three phases of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) between August 2025 and July 2026, resulting in 10,772,421 new registrations, subject to biometric verification. Amupitan also announced the introduction of online registration and printable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to reduce delays and ensure eligible voters are not disenfranchised.
INEC has taken steps to improve its operational efficiency, including the procurement and distribution of new pick-up vehicles to state and local government offices nationwide. These vehicles are expected to enhance the mobility, security, and operational efficiency of electoral officials, particularly in difficult terrains. The chairman also disclosed that INEC had introduced a new salary structure for its workforce and increased overheads for state offices by 150 per cent from July 2026.
Amupitan emphasized the importance of neutrality among electoral officials, directing them to remain impartial and implement the law rather than serve the interests of any candidate or political party. He made these remarks as part of efforts to address operational challenges and shortcomings observed in previous elections. The chairman's zonal visits aim to identify areas for improvement and ensure a successful 2027 general elections.
The INEC chairman's visit to Kaduna included a meeting with the Emir of Zazzau, where they discussed preparations for the 2027 elections and the forthcoming collection of PVCs. The traditional ruler expressed concern over the late opening of polling units during the 2023 general elections. Amupitan's visit also involved interactions with INEC staff and an assessment of the commission's readiness for the 2027 elections.
As part of its preparations, INEC has introduced measures to address voter apathy and improve public trust in the electoral process. The commission's efforts include strengthening its technology, result management systems, and voter verification mechanisms. With the 2027 general elections scheduled for January and February 2027, INEC is working to ensure a credible and successful electoral process.
Key points
- INEC chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan warns officials against partisanship, negligence ahead of 2027 polls.
- The 2027 general elections are scheduled for January 16 and February 6, 2027.
- INEC has introduced measures to address voter apathy and improve public trust in the electoral process.
