Amid concerns over glitches and logistical challenges as Nigeria prepares for 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has assured Nigerians that the 2027 poll will mark a significant improvement in the country’s electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance at a Citizens’ Townhall on Electoral Act 2026, organised by Civil Society Network on Electoral Integrity, in Abuja on Sunday.
Amupitan acknowledged the logistical and technological hurdles that have marred previous polls, assuring that they have been addressed.
“By the grace of God, the election of 2027 will be the best election Nigeria could have. Nigeria of 2023 is different from what you have in 2027. People are much more aware,” he said.
Amupitan addressed the controversy surrounding the infamous “glitches” in the 2023 polls that disrupted result transmission, and outlined his vision for a more transparent process in 2027.
“When I look at the provisions of Section 63 of the Electoral Act, during the last FCT election, apart from one delay, we didn’t have any transmission failure. That section is merely a safety provision, if it fails. I’m doing my tenure, it will never fail. That is the determination,” he said.
The INEC Chairman acknowledged that the commission’s greatest hurdle is not the absence of technology, but the adequacy of network infrastructure.
He cited the recent FCT area council election, where results from a ward in Kuje area council were delayed until the following day.
“From Kuje town, Kavi ward is about three-and-a-half hours’ drive, and the terrain is very bad. We sent polling officials with security agencies, but the moment they entered that area, we could not reach them. They were not accessible by phone,” he said.
According to him, the situation underscored a fundamental truth, “Your election can be as good as your logistics. When there’s logistic failure, you know you are beginning to fail.”
The INEC Chairman outlined three metrics for measuring electoral success: starting polls as advertised maintaining peace throughout the process, and managing results effectively through to declaration.
“I’ve noticed that what Nigeria desires is a perfect election. I will strive as much as possible to give this country the best election. However, we may not be able to achieve 100% perfection for now,” he said.
On electronic result transmission, Amupitan said “We have the capacity to transmit results. The only concern is real-time. If you transfer N50,000 on your app, the money leaves your account immediately, but the recipient might not get the alert for another 30 minutes or even in the evening. That’s the reality we’re dealing with.”
“Before you deploy any technology, it is important to test it very well. While BIVAS was tested within states for previous elections, when it came to the presidential election, which became interstate, it was not properly tested.”
“Before the 2027 election, we are going to have a more robust, simulated presidential election test to ensure that transmission across states must not fail.
“Nobody is happy about the classification of Nigeria as an underdeveloped country. We want a situation where our process guarantees the confidence and legitimacy that people need to see in their system. When you have a transparent election and people begin to trust INEC and trust their leaders, then the country will move forward.”
Earlier, the Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, raised concerns over whether the Electoral Act 2026 will genuinely strengthen Nigeria’s democracy or merely refine the mechanics of political contestation.
Itodo said the central question for Nigerians is whether their votes will truly determine electoral outcomes under the new legal framework.
While acknowledging that the Act introduces notable reforms such as provisions on voter accreditation, electronic transmission of results, digital party registers, and clearer timelines, he warned that certain clauses could undermine candidate independence and open fresh loopholes for manipulation.
“These provisions are not abstract. They determine who gets on the ballot, how results are transmitted, and ultimately shape democratic legitimacy,” he said.
Itodo stressed that laws alone cannot protect democracy without faithful implementation, transparency, and strong public oversight.
According to him, the credibility of the 2027 elections will depend on the quality of preparations, professionalism of election officials, independence of security agencies and the judiciary, and the vigilance of citizens.
He called for the immediate public release of the signed Electoral Act and urged stakeholders to review ambiguous sections that could weaken electoral integrity, insisting that reform must build trust, not widen loopholes.
