2027: INEC to conduct mock presidential poll
INEC Considers System Audit Ahead of 2027 Elections
ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced plans on Tuesday to conduct a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This initiative will coincide with a mock presidential election aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Commission’s processes and technology.
Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, who serves as the Chairman of INEC, shared these developments during a visit from Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Amupitan noted that these proposals are a response to challenges highlighted during the 2023 general elections, particularly concerns regarding the reliability of election technology.
He explained that the audit and mock election are intended to ensure that all systems are functioning properly in advance of the upcoming polls. While these activities were not initially included in INEC’s budget, Amupitan emphasized that the Commission would seek to find funding to realize these important exercises, which could enhance the credibility of future elections.
The Chairman also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving technological reliability, including the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). He mentioned that the Commission is also undertaking a review of its cybersecurity measures, focusing on system redundancy, penetration testing, and disaster recovery plans.
Public trust in the electoral process, Amupitan stated, hinges largely on the reliability of INEC’s technology and procedures. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to addressing any shortcomings identified in past elections in preparation for 2027.
Amupitan indicated that election technology and cybersecurity are critical areas for continued collaboration between INEC and the United Kingdom. He acknowledged the valuable technical partnerships with the UK and other international organizations, such as the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).
The INEC Chairman committed to ensuring that elections are conducted in a credible and transparent manner, reflecting the will of the Nigerian people. He stressed that maintaining electoral integrity is a collective responsibility that necessitates cooperation among political parties, security agencies, civil society, development partners, and the general public.
