The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun consultations with electoral stakeholders as part of preparations for the upcoming elections and the 2027 general election.
The first meeting was held on Wednesday with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
INEC Chairman Professor Joash O. Amupitan described the meeting as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. He said 2026 will witness intense electoral activities nationwide.
He urged stakeholders to work together to protect Nigeria’s democratic process.
The chairman also reviewed the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, held on November 8, 2025.
According to him, the election involved over 2.8 million registered voters across 5,718 polling units and 16 political parties.
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He said INEC conducted the election transparently and in line with the law. The commission also deployed sign language interpreters to support inclusive participation.
INEC confirmed that the FCT Area Council elections 2026 will hold on February 21, 2026.
More than 1.68 million registered voters are expected to participate across the six area councils.
The chairman said preparations have reached an advanced stage. INEC has delivered non-sensitive materials and trained ad hoc staff.
Officials are also configuring BVAS devices. The commission will deliver sensitive materials one day before the election.
INEC will conduct a mock accreditation exercise on February 7, 2026 in selected polling units.
INEC also announced bye-elections on the same day in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies in Rivers State.
The commission will also conduct bye-elections in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
Vacancies occurred due to the death and resignation of lawmakers.
The commission scheduled the Ekiti State governorship election 2026 for June 20, 2026.
The Osun State governorship election 2026 will take place on August 8, 2026.
INEC said it has completed several timetable activities for both elections.
The chairman assured Nigerians that INEC will release the 2027 election timetable in line with the Constitution and Electoral Act.
However, he raised concerns about delays in amending the Electoral Act.
He called on civil society groups to intensify advocacy for timely legislative action.
INEC also announced plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 election.
The exercise will help clean the voters’ register by removing duplicate entries, underage voters, non-citizens and deceased persons.
The chairman said a credible voter register remains essential for public trust in elections.
INEC disclosed that 2.68 million voters registered during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
The second phase will continue until April 2026.
The commission has also received 171 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
INEC will announce successful applicants after completing the screening process.
The chairman urged residents of the FCT to collect their Permanent Voter Cards before February 10, 2026.
He also encouraged civil society groups to support voter education, peaceful campaigns and efforts against vote buying, hate speech and electoral violence.
