The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advised Nigerians to temper expectations ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that while the commission is committed to delivering credible polls and has the capacity for electronic transmission of results, it cannot promise a completely flawless process.
The INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, gave the caution at a citizens’ town hall forum in Abuja, where stakeholders examined electoral reforms, logistics, and the implementation of the Electoral Act 2026 in preparation for the next general elections.
The event, organised by the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity, was broadcast live on major television networks.
Amupitan said the commission’s goal is to organise what could be Nigeria’s best election yet, but stressed that challenges, particularly those affecting real-time electronic transmission of results, may still arise due to factors such as logistics, terrain, and network limitations in some parts of the country.
He cited the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections as an example, noting that results from five councils were transmitted promptly, while one ward in Kuje Area Council experienced a delay until the following day due to difficult terrain and poor accessibility.
He stressed that the delay was not a failure of transmission but a logistical constraint that affected real-time reporting.
The INEC chairman described elections as the backbone of democratic governance and emphasised the importance of voter education, transparency, and institutional accountability.
He noted that the credibility of any election is closely tied to effective logistics, adding that operational lapses, whether human or systemic, could undermine public confidence.
Amupitan disclosed that INEC was actively involved in the process that produced the Electoral Act 2026, working alongside the National Assembly and civil society organisations to strengthen the legal framework for elections.
He said the commission pushed for mandatory electronic transmission of results during legislative deliberations, but debates arose over how “real time” should be defined in practical terms.
Beyond election-day processes, INEC has commenced a comprehensive review of its regulations and guidelines for political parties as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.
According to the commission, the exercise aims to strengthen party oversight, improve compliance, reduce pre-election disputes, and align party operations with the Electoral Act 2026.
The review involves national commissioners, directors, legal experts, election administrators, and institutional stakeholders. INEC stated that the initiative would address persistent challenges, including opaque party primaries, weak financial disclosure, membership disputes, and exclusionary practices, which often lead to litigation and electoral uncertainty.
Speaking at the reform session, Amupitan said public trust in elections depends not only on INEC but also on the internal democracy and transparency of political parties.
He added that the commission was shifting from reactive enforcement to proactive supervision based on measurable standards, including benchmarks for the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, major political parties have begun adjusting to the new legal requirements. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have launched nationwide digital membership registration exercises to comply with INEC guidelines, while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is considering reopening its e-registration portal to accommodate more members.
INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and February 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls, following revisions to the electoral timetable.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to continuous reform, saying that while perfection may be unattainable, transparency, credibility, and steady improvement remain its core objectives ahead of the 2027 polls.
