The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has described Saturday’s bye-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as critical operational tests that will provide valuable lessons for preparations for the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the elections offered the Commission an opportunity to assess its logistics, technology and administrative preparedness ahead of the nationwide polls.
Amupitan stated this on Saturday while personally monitoring the elections from the Commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS/Media Adviser, Mr. Adedayo Oketola.
The Commission conducted legislative bye-elections in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State, and Udu State Constituency of Delta State.
The INEC chairman said the Commission would not treat any election as routine, stressing that every electoral exercise provided an opportunity to identify gaps and strengthen preparations for the 2027 General Election.
“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” he said.
Amupitan added that every election enabled the Commission to audit its logistics framework, test its technological deployment and evaluate the readiness of its field operations.
“We must resist the temptation to view any exercise as merely an ordinary bye-election. Every election is a critical component of our broader preparations for the 2027 General Election,” he said.
Accompanied by National Commissioners and senior management officials, the INEC chairman monitored reports from the various states as voting progressed.
He said operational challenges identified before the polls were swiftly addressed, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to improving efficiency and public confidence in the electoral process.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution,” Amupitan said.
“Whatever administrative or field challenges arose before the day of the elections, the Commission was able to nip them in the bud effectively. We remain committed to refining our processes so that every subsequent exercise reflects higher standards of efficiency and public confidence.
The chairman also commended the officials in the Situation Room, particularly the technical team, for ensuring seamless monitoring of the multi-state elections and enabling the Commission to assess field operations effectively.
