The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the completion of nine out of the 14 key activities contained in its revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, as it seeks enhanced technical cooperation with the United Kingdom to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, and his delegation to the commission.
Amupitan said the commission had moved beyond the planning stage and was now implementing critical operational activities to ensure adequate preparations for the 2027 polls.
He explained that INEC was intensifying efforts to strengthen the national register of voters through continuous voter registration, data verification, transfer of voters and the removal of ineligible entries.
The chairman also disclosed that the nationwide collection and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were ongoing as part of measures to ensure eligible Nigerians could exercise their franchise during the elections.
According to him, political parties had also completed the submission of their candidates for the 2027 general elections in compliance with the Electoral Act and relevant statutory deadlines.
He further noted that preparations were progressing across the six geopolitical zones, with the commission focused on ensuring effective coordination and operational readiness ahead of the polls.
On electoral technology, Amupitan said INEC was prioritising improvements to the reliability and efficiency of its existing technological infrastructure, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of election results.
He stressed that the commission was more interested in strengthening existing systems than introducing an entirely new technological framework ahead of the elections.
The INEC chairman identified cybersecurity, specialised training for electoral personnel, strategic communication, voter education and combating misinformation as critical areas where the commission would benefit from additional technical support from the United Kingdom.
He also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with security agencies to guarantee the safety of electoral officials, facilities and sensitive election materials throughout the electoral process.
Addressing concerns over voter apathy, particularly among young people, women and persons with disabilities, Amupitan said the commission was pursuing initiatives aimed at promoting broader participation and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.
He specifically highlighted a university debate initiative being implemented across the country’s six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to stimulate political awareness among young Nigerians and encourage their involvement in democratic governance.
Earlier, the British High Commissioner, Peter Vowles, said his visit was aimed at gaining a better understanding of INEC’s mandate, responsibilities and level of preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
Vowles, who disclosed that he had spent approximately eight weeks in Nigeria, described the country’s democratic development as significant not only to its estimated 240 million citizens but also to the wider West African region and the international community.
He noted that the 2027 general elections would offer Nigeria an important opportunity to demonstrate how democratic institutions could function effectively in a large and diverse society.
The British envoy reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development, expressing interest in initiatives designed to strengthen democratic institutions and promote credible electoral processes.
In his response, Amupitan described the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom as one founded on shared interests and a common commitment to democracy, electoral integrity and institutional development.
He acknowledged Britain’s longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s electoral development, particularly in the areas of technical assistance, capacity building, voter education, gender inclusion and institutional reforms.
The INEC chairman expressed optimism that the renewed engagement would create opportunities for deeper cooperation in electoral technology, cybersecurity, capacity development for election personnel and initiatives aimed at strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.
He assured Nigerians and the international community that the commission remained committed to conducting credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful general elections in 2027.
Amupitan, however, stressed the importance of sustained support and cooperation from domestic and international stakeholders, noting that collective efforts would be essential to strengthening the electoral system and addressing challenges identified in previous elections.
