The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday commenced consultative meetings with key electoral stakeholders, beginning with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), as part of preparations for upcoming elections and the 2027 General Election.
Welcoming participants, INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, described the engagement as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, noting that 2026 will be marked by intensive electoral activities nationwide.
He urged stakeholders to work together to protect Nigeria’s democratic process.
Reflecting on recent electoral activities, the Chairman recalled the successful conduct of the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election on November 8, 2025.
Adding that the poll, involving over 2.8 million registered voters across 5,718 polling units and 16 political parties, was conducted transparently and in strict compliance with the law. He added that the deployment of sign language interpreters marked a major step toward inclusive participation.
Turning to forthcoming elections, Prof. Amupitan announced that the Federal Capital Territory Area Council Elections will hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with over 1.68 million registered voters expected to participate across the six area councils.
He disclosed that preparations have reached an advanced stage, with non-sensitive materials already delivered, ad hoc staff recruited and trained, BVAS devices undergoing configuration, and sensitive materials scheduled for delivery a day before the election.
A mock accreditation exercise will also be conducted on February 7, 2026, in selected polling units across the FCT.
The INEC Chairman further confirmed that bye-elections will take place on the same day in Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies in Rivers State, as well as Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies in Kano State, following vacancies created by resignation and death of lawmakers.
Looking ahead, he stated that the Ekiti State governorship election will be held on June 20, 2026, while Osun State will go to the polls on August 8, 2026, with several electoral timetable activities already completed for both states.
On preparations for the 2027 General Election, Prof. Amupitan assured Nigerians that INEC will release the election timetable in line with constitutional and Electoral Act requirements.
However, he expressed concern over delays in the amendment of the Electoral Act and called on CSOs to intensify advocacy for timely legislative action.
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A major highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise ahead of 2027.
According to the Chairman, the exercise will help clean up the voters’ register by eliminating duplicate registrations, under-age entries, non-citizens, and deceased voters, stressing that a credible register remains the backbone of public confidence in elections.
He also disclosed progress in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, revealing that over 2.68 million eligible voters were captured in the first phase, while the second phase will continue until April 2026.
He added that INEC has received 171 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, with successful applicants to be announced after due screening.
The Chairman urged CSOs to mobilise residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards before the February 10, 2026 deadline in the FCT and to support voter education, peaceful campaigns, and the fight against hate speech, vote buying, and electoral violence.
