INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Free, Fair, Credible 2027 Elections

INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Free, Fair, Credible 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering free, fair, credible and transparent elections in the 2027 General Election.

The Commission gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI), led by its President, Dr. Dan Twining, as part of the institute’s Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM).

The IRI delegation is in Nigeria from August 11 to 21, 2026, to assess INEC’s level of preparedness for the 2027 elections and identify areas where international cooperation and technical support could strengthen the electoral process.

Speaking during the engagement, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, described the visit as timely, coming shortly after the successful conduct of the Osun State governorship election and ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan said INEC had continued to use off-cycle elections and legislative by-elections as operational tests to improve its electoral technology, logistics and coordination with security agencies.

He noted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal had recorded strong operational performance, with result-upload rates exceeding 98 per cent in recent elections, contributing to greater transparency and public confidence.

The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission was preparing for one of the largest electoral operations in Nigeria’s history, with plans to deploy approximately 1.4 million ad hoc personnel across more than 176,000 polling units nationwide.

He said the Commission was strengthening its logistics framework, expanding early deployment strategies and improving cooperation with transport unions to ensure the timely movement of election materials and personnel.

INEC Targets More Inclusive Elections

The Commission also highlighted ongoing reforms to improve voter registration and maintain an accurate voters’ register, including online registration and continuous voter-register updates.

Amupitan further pledged to strengthen electoral accessibility for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly voters, ensuring that vulnerable groups can participate more easily in the electoral process.

On emerging threats to electoral integrity, the INEC Chairman identified misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence as major concerns ahead of the 2027 elections.

He disclosed that INEC had established an AI-focused unit to develop guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence and address the spread of false information capable of undermining public confidence in elections.

Amupitan reiterated INEC’s neutrality, stressing that the Commission has no preference for any political party or candidate and is solely committed to conducting elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.

He also acknowledged the need to improve voter participation and turnout in future elections.

IRI Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Democratic Process

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, IRI President Dr. Dan Twining said the institute’s mission was to support a competitive, peaceful and credible electoral process in Nigeria.

He said the delegation was interested in understanding INEC’s preparations, identifying potential challenges and exploring areas where the international community could contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Our interest is a competitive, peaceful and credible election in Nigeria, and we look forward to learning how we can support that objective,” Twining said.

The engagement further underscored the importance of collaboration between INEC, international partners and other stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Election.

INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Free, Fair, Credible 2027 Elections