INEC cautions against flawed procurement ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned that weak procurement processes could undermine the credibility of elections, stressing the need for transparency and accountability ahead of the 2027 general polls.

The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated this during the opening of a capacity-building workshop on procurement for national electoral commissioners and members of the commission’s management team.

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The workshop, held in Lagos, focused on strengthening institutional systems as part of preparations for the next general election cycle.

Amupitan said procurement, often regarded as a routine administrative function, plays a critical role in the success of electoral operations, including the provision of ballot materials, technology, logistics and personnel deployment.

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According to him, transparent procurement processes build public trust in the electoral system, while compromised procedures could erode confidence and cast doubt on election outcomes.

“When procurement is handled with integrity, it becomes the bedrock of public confidence. When it is compromised, it becomes the fault line through which trust collapses,” he said.

He emphasised the need for continuous capacity building, noting that electoral management requires constant adaptation to emerging challenges and global best practices.

The INEC chairman also highlighted recent legal reforms, including amendments to the Electoral Act which reduced the notice period for elections, saying the development demands more efficient planning and faster procurement processes.

He added that the commission has already begun early preparations for the 2027 elections, including the release of a timetable to guide stakeholders and ensure effective coordination.

In her remarks on behalf of the chairman, National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, reiterated the importance of strengthening procurement systems to sustain public confidence in the electoral process.

Also speaking, the Resident Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Nigeria, Tobias Ruettershof, said credible elections begin with proper planning and efficient administrative processes.

Similarly, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adeline, urged the commission to adopt technology-driven procurement systems and strengthen internal controls to mitigate risks.

She noted that effective procurement remains central to ensuring transparency and accountability in electoral processes.

The workshop brought together senior officials of the commission, development partners and experts to enhance leadership capacity and promote best practices as INEC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.

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