INEC to Deploy Nigeria’s First Real-time Election Readiness Tracker Ahead of 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans to introduce a groundbreaking real-time readiness tracker for election preparations ahead of the 2027 general election. This innovative tool will enable the Commission to monitor the progress of preparations across all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in real-time.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced this initiative during the opening of a two-day Strategic Operational Workshop for Administrative Secretaries held at the Marriott Hotel in Lagos. The workshop aims to create a standardized Excel-based tool, known as the Administrative Secretary Master Operational Tracker Template, which will be integrated with the Commission's Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) dashboard and the Election Project Plan (EPP).

This tracker will address the Commission's longstanding need for a uniform mechanism to monitor administrative responsibilities, replacing a reactive approach with proactive management. The tool will provide instant visibility into critical areas such as material distribution, ad-hoc staff training, and State-level readiness, allowing Resident Electoral Commissioners, Supervising National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, and Headquarters personnel to respond promptly to emerging challenges.

Amupitan emphasized that this innovation will extend beyond the 2027 elections, serving as a permanent onboarding blueprint for future generations of Administrative Secretaries. The tracker aligns with INEC's broader objectives to maintain a clean voter register and streamline PVC collection as enrolment nears 100 million. The initiative builds upon lessons learned from recent off-cycle elections, such as the Osun State governorship election, where disciplined logistics and operational technology contributed to a transparent outcome.

INEC is now focused on replicating this standard nationwide within the six-month window leading up to the 2027 general election. REC for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, commended the workshop, noting its timing in the Commission's preparations. Salami praised the European Union's support through the EU-SDGN program, implemented by Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI).

Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, highlighted the workshop's role in ensuring consistency across Headquarters and State operations by aligning all parties with the same Election Project Plan. Furthermore, the training will equip Administrative Secretaries with updated knowledge on new policies, technology, and administrative procedures ahead of the 2027 elections.