INEC begins 2027 election readiness assessment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a readiness assessment for the 2027 general elections, with its chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, emphasizing the need for officials to address operational gaps and maintain neutrality. On Monday, Amupitan addressed INEC staff during a North-West zonal interactive meeting in Kaduna, where the commission evaluated its preparations for the upcoming elections across six zones nationwide.

Amupitan stressed that the exercise aimed to bolster the country's electoral system and prevent weaknesses from undermining the credibility of the 2027 polls. He highlighted the critical role played at the grassroots level, particularly in Local Government Areas, Registration Area Centres, and polling units, where officials interact directly with voters. "The true success of any election is not decided solely in the meeting rooms of our headquarters in Abuja. It is decided in the field," he asserted.

The INEC chairman called on staff to openly identify challenges affecting election administration in their regions and collaborate with the commission's headquarters to resolve them prior to election day. Amupitan also cautioned against partisan behavior and administrative negligence, underscoring that the neutrality and professionalism of officials would be pivotal in preserving public confidence in the electoral process.