The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash O. Amupitan, has underscored the urgency of strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system, declaring that the Commission must match legal reforms with operational efficiency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Amupitan described the gathering as a critical intervention aimed at enhancing the competence of National Electoral Commissioners and senior management staff.
The workshop, organised in collaboration with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, brings together key electoral stakeholders, technical experts, and senior INEC officials to deliberate on strategies for improving election management, particularly in procurement and operational planning.
Amupitan noted that the Commission is operating within a significantly altered legal framework following the recent enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to him, the amendment to Clause 28, which reduces the mandatory Notice of Election period from 360 days to 300 days, has introduced a compressed timeline that requires “unprecedented speed and surgical precision” in election planning and execution.
He emphasized that the Commission has already responded to the new legal reality by issuing a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections. Under the new schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
The INEC chairman stressed that these adjustments underscore the need for institutional preparedness, noting that electoral success now depends not only on compliance with the law but also on the Commission’s ability to adapt swiftly to evolving demands.
Amupitan said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to building a resilient electoral system capable of delivering credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.
“Our work is not just about conducting elections; it is about ensuring that democracy thrives,” he said, urging participants to take full advantage of the training to sharpen their skills and improve coordination across departments.
He added that the workshop would feature expert-led sessions, collaborative discussions, and practical engagements designed to equip participants with modern tools and strategies to address emerging electoral challenges.
Amupitan further called for active participation, encouraging attendees to share experiences and insights that could enhance collective performance within the Commission.
The INEC boss commended the technical support provided by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, describing the partnership as instrumental in strengthening institutional capacity and promoting democratic governance.
He reiterated that sustained collaboration with development partners and stakeholders remains essential to improving Nigeria’s electoral process and reinforcing public confidence in democratic institutions.
Amupitan noted that the workshop comes 159 days after he assumed office on October 23, 2025, a period he described as pivotal in repositioning the Commission.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s electoral architecture is not only robust in theory but effective in practice, stressing that the credibility of elections remains central to national stability and democratic progress.
