2027 Will Be Nigeria’s Best Election Yet — INEC Chair Assures Nigerians

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has given Nigerians fresh assurances that the 2027 general elections will be the best the country has ever conducted. According to him, a combination of legal reforms, improved technology, enhanced logistics, and increased voter awareness will significantly raise the credibility and integrity of the next polls.

Amupitan made this pledge while speaking at a Citizens’ Town Hall Meeting themed “What It Means for Your Vote and the 2027 Elections”, organised by the Civil Society Network on Electoral Integrity. The event brought together civil society organisations, election observers, and members of the public to discuss the implications of recent electoral reforms and the expectations ahead of 2027.

At the heart of INEC’s optimism is the Electoral Act 2026, which was signed into law on February 18 after an extensive three-year consultation process involving the National Assembly, INEC, and civil society groups. Amupitan described the new law as a major milestone capable of restoring public confidence in elections and strengthening democratic legitimacy.

“Democracy — and elections in particular — is the lifeblood of any democratic system,” he said, while stressing that citizens must fully understand how the law works in order to protect their votes. Quoting Abraham Lincoln, Amupitan reminded participants that “the ballot is more powerful than the bullet,” warning that voter ignorance and apathy could pose serious threats not just to democracy, but to national security itself.

Addressing the Ghosts of 2023

A significant portion of Amupitan’s remarks focused on the technical challenges that marred the 2023 presidential election, particularly issues surrounding electronic transmission of results. He acknowledged public frustration over glitches experienced during nationwide uploads and assured Nigerians that INEC has thoroughly reviewed what went wrong.

“Glitches have been eliminated. By God’s grace, they will not surface again,” he said. According to him, while INEC’s systems performed well during off-cycle governorship elections, they were not sufficiently stress-tested for the scale and complexity of a nationwide presidential election. He disclosed that before 2027, the commission will conduct more rigorous testing to ensure seamless inter-state transmission of results.

Electronic Transmission and Realities on Ground

Amupitan highlighted electronic transmission of results as one of the strongest pillars of the new Electoral Act, noting that INEC actively pushed for mandatory electronic uploads during legislative consultations. However, he cautioned Nigerians against unrealistic expectations of instant, real-time uploads in all locations.

Drawing from experience, he recalled delays in transmitting results from Kabir Ward in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory due to poor network coverage and difficult terrain. He likened the process to mobile banking transactions, explaining that while a transfer may be initiated instantly, confirmation can take longer depending on network conditions.

Despite these constraints, he assured Nigerians that INEC now has stronger legal backing and improved infrastructure to ensure that results are eventually transmitted securely and transparently.

Logistics, Credibility, and National Development

Emphasising that logistics remain the backbone of credible elections, Amupitan outlined three benchmarks INEC is focusing on: timely commencement of polls, peaceful conduct, and transparent result management. While admitting that minor logistical lapses still occur, he said corrective measures are already being implemented ahead of 2027.

Beyond elections themselves, the INEC chairman stressed the broader implications of credible polls for Nigeria’s development and global image. “There is a strong correlation between credible elections and national development,” he said, noting that investor confidence and institutional stability depend heavily on public trust in electoral outcomes.

Concluding his remarks, Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to electoral improvement, stating that Nigerian voters are now more informed, more demanding, and better equipped to defend their votes. With the Electoral Act 2026 in place, he insisted, INEC is better positioned than ever to meet those expectations.

“By the grace of God,” he said, “the 2027 general election will be the best Nigerians will have.”