2027 Elections: INEC seeks UK support on cybersecurity, technology, voter education

INEC Chairman Urges British Support for Upcoming Elections

LAGOS, Nigeria — Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), called for enhanced support from the United Kingdom during a courtesy visit from British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, and his delegation. Vowles has been in Nigeria for approximately eight weeks as part of his diplomatic mission.

The visit aimed to familiarize the envoy with INEC’s operations and preparations for the upcoming general elections scheduled for 2027. Vowles described the engagement as an opportunity to better understand the commission’s responsibilities and to assess its readiness for the electoral process.

“The relationship between our nations is founded on shared interests and a mutual commitment to democracy, electoral integrity, and institutional development,” Vowles stated.

Amupitan articulated INEC’s broad mandate, which includes overseeing elections for the presidency, vice presidency, the National Assembly, and state houses of assembly, as well as managing the registration of political parties. He noted that while INEC is responsible for federal elections, state independent electoral commissions handle local government elections.

“We have intensified our election preparations, progressing from strategic planning to the implementation of specific operational activities,” Amupitan said. He highlighted that INEC has completed nine of the 14 critical activities in its revised timetable.

Amupitan further elaborated on the commission’s efforts to maintain a robust voter register through continuous registration, data verification, voter transfers, and the removal of ineligible entries. He confirmed that the nationwide collection and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) is actively ongoing.

Additionally, Amupitan informed Vowles that INEC has finalized the submissions of candidates from political parties in accordance with the Electoral Act and established deadlines, with preparations underway across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Regarding election technology, Amupitan emphasized the focus on improving the reliability of existing systems, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the result transmission processes, rather than implementing entirely new systems.

He expressed a need for British technical assistance in several critical areas, including cybersecurity, specialized training for electoral personnel, strategic communication, voter education, and combating misinformation.

The INEC Chairman also underscored the importance of enhancing electoral security through better collaboration with security agencies, ensuring adequate protection for electoral personnel, facilities, and sensitive materials.

Addressing challenges of voter apathy, especially among young Nigerians, women, and persons with disabilities, Amupitan cited a recent university debate initiative aimed at promoting youth participation in the electoral process.

Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in 2027. He assured Nigerians and the international community of ongoing improvements to processes and the rectification of weaknesses identified in prior elections.

He acknowledged the United Kingdom’s past contributions to Nigeria’s electoral development, which include technical assistance, capacity building, voter education, gender inclusion, and institutional reforms.

Looking ahead, Amupitan expressed optimism that discussions with the British High Commissioner would foster expanded cooperation, particularly in strengthening electoral technology, cybersecurity, and building public confidence in the electoral process. He called for sustained support from local and international stakeholders to ensure elections meet international standards of transparency, credibility, and fairness.

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