The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has appealed for additional funding from the Federal Government to support the commission’s activities. Key Areas of Focus INEC has identified several critical areas that require attention ahead of the 2027 polls. These include: –
Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise: INEC aims to capture more eligible voters and update the voter register.
Logistics for off-cycle elections: The commission needs to strengthen its logistics and operational capacity to conduct elections outside the regular cycle.
Replacement of damaged election materials: INEC plans to replace damaged or obsolete equipment, such as Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS), ballot boxes, and voting cubicles.
Repairs of INEC offices in Local Government Areas: The commission aims to renovate and equip its offices to enhance its operational efficiency.
Electronic Transmission of Results Meanwhile, the Senate has proposed amendments to Nigeria’s electoral laws to make electronic transmission of election results compulsory from the 2027 polls. This move aims to improve transparency and reduce the risk of result manipulation. Other Reforms INEC has also outlined 142 reforms, including the use of computer-generated voting slips, to enhance the electoral process. Additionally, the commission plans to replace Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) with new technology to improve voter verification and authentication. Budget Allocation INEC has requested N126 billion to kickstart its preparations for the 2027 elections ⁴. This funding will support the commission’s activities, including voter registration, logistics, and equipment upgrades. With these developments, INEC is gearing up to deliver credible and transparent elections in 2027. The commission’s commitment to reform and innovation aims to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and consolidate its democratic gains.
