2027: INEC moves to address 2023 election shortcomings

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it is drawing lessons from the 2023 general election to improve preparations for the 2027 polls, with emphasis on technology, logistics, results management and public confidence.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC).

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Amupitan said the 2027 general election presented an opportunity for the commission to consolidate previous achievements, address identified shortcomings and strengthen public trust in the electoral process.

He said preparations for the election required sustained institutional commitment, careful planning and continuous improvement throughout the electoral cycle.

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“The 2023 General Election offered important lessons concerning technology, logistics, results management, public communication and stakeholder expectations,” the INEC chairman said.

He added that the commission would not approach the 2027 election as a repetition of the previous exercise but as an opportunity to improve electoral administration.

According to him, INEC’s preparations include ensuring an accurate voters’ register, timely procurement and testing of electoral materials and technology, and training competent and impartial electoral personnel.

The commission is also strengthening engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, the media, security agencies and other stakeholders to address concerns and promote transparent communication.

Amupitan emphasised the importance of voter and civic education in improving public understanding of electoral procedures, peaceful participation and lawful channels for resolving grievances.

He disclosed that Nigeria’s electoral preparations were taking place under the Electoral Act 2026, which repealed and replaced the 2022 legislation.

The new law addresses key aspects of electoral administration, including technology, results management, voter registration and political party primaries.

Amupitan explained that Section 60(3) provides for electronic transmission of polling-unit results while recognising the signed physical result form as the basis for collation and declaration where transmission fails because of communication difficulties.

He said electronic transmission could enhance transparency, improve public access to electoral information and support independent verification, but stressed that its effectiveness depended on reliable equipment, connectivity, trained personnel and clear operational procedures.

The INEC chairman added that technology alone could not guarantee credible elections without institutional accountability, responsible political party conduct, impartial security agencies and public confidence.

On the electoral timetable, Amupitan said the commission’s published schedule fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were scheduled for February 6, 2027.

He said the commission was also prioritising the prevention of pre-election disputes, particularly those arising from party membership registers, primaries, candidate nominations and party leadership.

According to him, INEC must ensure that its regulations and guidelines on party administration and candidate nomination comply with the applicable law.

He also called for stronger cooperation among electoral commissions in West Africa, noting that they faced similar challenges involving electoral technology, voter education, security, results management and dispute resolution.

Amupitan said the ECONEC platform provided an opportunity for electoral bodies to exchange experiences, share practical solutions and strengthen democratic institutions across the sub-region.

He cited INEC’s participation in the ECONEC Post-Election Follow-up and Needs Assessment Mission to Sierra Leone from September 19 to 26, 2026, as an example of the value of regional cooperation.

The mission assessed the implementation of recommendations arising from Sierra Leone’s 2023 general election, including proposals for electoral and institutional reforms.

Amupitan said the experience highlighted the relationship between electoral reform, political trust, transparency and meaningful consultation among stakeholders.

He further stressed the need for electoral commissions to respect judicial independence, comply with court decisions and ensure that their actions were grounded in the law.

The INEC chairman also called for inclusive elections, emphasising the participation of women, young people, persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons.

He said accessible polling facilities, effective voter education, professional security operations and measures to combat misinformation were essential to credible elections.

Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to working with ECONEC and other regional partners to strengthen electoral administration and democratic governance in West Africa.

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