The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it has placed procurement reform at the core of its preparations for the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, who emphasized the critical role of procurement in delivering credible elections, said the Commission has unveiled a revised timetable and intensified efforts to strengthen institutional capacity.
Amupitan spoke at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop on procurement for National Electoral Commissioners and management staff in Lagos.
The INEC Chairman said transparent and efficient procurement processes are critical to delivering credible elections, describing the function as the backbone of the entire electoral value chain.
He stressed that electoral credibility begins long before polling day, with sound planning, logistics and administrative discipline.
Represented by National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the INEC Chairman said strengthening procurement systems is essential to sustaining public trust in the electoral process.
The workshop, held in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, KAS, also featured the formal presentation of the Commission’s timetable for the 2027 polls, an early move aimed at enhancing preparedness and predictability.
“Procurement is often seen as routine, but it underpins everything, from ballot materials and technology to logistics, training and deployment. When handled with integrity, it builds confidence; when compromised, it erodes trust,” he said.
While reflecting on his time in office, Amupitan described the period as pivotal for consolidating reforms and repositioning the Commission to meet emerging electoral challenges.
He emphasised that capacity building must be continuous and institutionalised.
He also drew attention to provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, noting that the reduction of the election notice period from 360 to 300 days requires more precise planning, faster procurement cycles and seamless coordination across departments.
While announcing key dates, the INEC Chairman disclosed that Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
According to him, the early release of the timetable provides clarity for political parties, candidates, security agencies and voters, while allowing sufficient time for the procurement of materials, deployment of technology and training of personnel.
Also speaking, the KAS Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Tobias Ruettershof, commended INEC for prioritising procurement capacity, noting that credible elections are rooted in strong institutions and transparent systems.
On his part, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adeline, described procurement as a strategic national function vital to democratic stability.
Adeline urged the Commission to adopt technology-driven solutions, strengthen internal controls and ensure strict compliance with regulations to mitigate risks.
The workshop brought together electoral commissioners, senior officials, development partners and experts, with a focus on deepening leadership capacity and reinforcing best practices as INEC advances its preparations for the 2027 general election.
