By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it has completed nine of the 14 key activities outlined in its revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, while seeking stronger technical cooperation with the United Kingdom to improve Nigeria’s electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made this known during a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, and his delegation, who visited the commission on a courtesy call.
Amupitan said the commission had moved beyond strategic planning and was now implementing critical operational activities ahead of the elections.
He explained that INEC was strengthening the voters’ register through continuous voter registration, data verification, voter transfers and the removal of ineligible entries.
He also confirmed that the nationwide collection and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were ongoing.
According to the chairman, political parties had completed the submission of their candidates for the 2027 elections in accordance with the Electoral Act and statutory deadlines.
He added that preparations were progressing across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
On electoral technology, Amupitan said INEC was focused on improving the reliability of existing systems, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic result transmission processes, rather than introducing an entirely new technological framework.
He identified cybersecurity, specialised training for electoral personnel, strategic communication, voter education and tackling misinformation as key areas where the commission would welcome additional technical assistance from the United Kingdom.
The INEC chairman also called for stronger cooperation with security agencies to protect electoral personnel, facilities and sensitive election materials.
Addressing concerns about voter apathy, particularly among young Nigerians, women and persons with disabilities, Amupitan highlighted ongoing initiatives to encourage wider participation in the democratic process.
He cited a university debate initiative organised across the country’s geopolitical zones as part of efforts to deepen young people’s interest in elections and democratic governance.
Earlier, British High Commissioner Peter Vowles said his visit was intended to familiarise himself with INEC’s responsibilities and understand the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Having spent about eight weeks in Nigeria, Vowles described the country’s democracy as important not only to its estimated 240 million citizens but also to West Africa and the international community.
He said the 2027 elections would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to demonstrate how democracy could function in a large and diverse country.
The British envoy reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s interest in Nigeria’s democratic development and expressed support for efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
Responding to the engagement, Amupitan described the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom as one built on shared interests and a commitment to democracy, electoral integrity and institutional development.
He acknowledged Britain’s previous contributions to Nigeria’s electoral development through technical assistance, capacity building, voter education, gender inclusion and institutional reforms.
The INEC chairman expressed optimism that the renewed engagement would expand cooperation in electoral technology, cybersecurity, staff training and public confidence in the electoral process.
He assured Nigerians and the international community that the commission remained committed to conducting credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in 2027.
Amupitan also called for sustained support from local and international stakeholders to strengthen the electoral system and address weaknesses identified in previous elections.
Source: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
