As Nigeria moves steadily toward the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified early preparations aimed at strengthening the conduct of elections and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, stated this during a strategic meeting with National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held in Lagos, stressing that early planning, strategic coordination, and institutional cohesion are critical to the successful delivery of free, fair, and credible elections.
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Professor Amupitan explained that the meeting was convened to develop effective strategies to eliminate all forms of interference in forthcoming elections, particularly the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, both scheduled to hold later this year.
According to him, the commission is determined to address existing operational gaps and strengthen internal processes to ensure that elections meet both national and international standards.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, early preparation is not optional. It is fundamental to safeguarding the integrity of our electoral process and ensuring public trust,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman identified data management as one of the commission’s most significant challenges in organising credible elections, especially under increasing global scrutiny. He noted that inaccuracies or lapses in data handling could undermine the credibility of elections and erode voter confidence.
He therefore called for proactive measures, improved coordination among electoral officials, and the deployment of technology-driven solutions to strengthen electoral operations and transparency.
Resident Electoral Commissioners from the Federal Capital Territory and Osun State, who spoke during the meeting, expressed confidence in INEC’s capacity to build a robust and resilient electoral system capable of withstanding political pressure and public skepticism.
They reaffirmed their commitment to implementing reforms that would enhance voter confidence, improve logistics, and ensure strict compliance with electoral guidelines across polling units.
INEC reiterated its resolve to restore and sustain the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral process, emphasising that credible elections remain central to democratic stability and national development.
The commission assured stakeholders that lessons learned from previous elections would guide improved planning and execution as Nigeria prepares for a critical electoral cycle in 2027.
