2027: INEC assures electronic result transmission, says perfect poll not guaranteed

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission possesses the capacity to electronically transmit election results in the 2027 general elections, even as he cautioned that a “100 per cent perfect election” may not be achievable.

Amupitan gave the assurance on Sunday during the Citizens’ Town Hall programme titled ‘Electoral Act 2026: What it means for your votes and the 2027 elections’, aired live on major television networks. The debate was anchored by Seun Okinbaloye and the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, with prominent political stakeholders in attendance.

Appealing to Nigerians to moderate expectations, the INEC boss said while the commission would strive to deliver the best possible process, perfection remains difficult in practical terms. He maintained that electronic transmission of results would be implemented, noting that the major challenge lies in defining and achieving real-time transmission, particularly in remote areas.

Citing the recent FCT Area Council elections, Amupitan explained that while results from five area councils were transmitted on time, one ward in Kuje experienced delays due to poor terrain and communication challenges. According to him, election officials and security personnel deployed to the area were temporarily unreachable, forcing the commission to retrieve and collate results physically before declaration.

He stressed that logistics remain central to election credibility, warning that operational lapses can erode public confidence. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism that the 2027 elections would surpass previous exercises, citing heightened voter awareness and increasing demand for transparency and accountability.

INEC, he disclosed, played an active role in shaping the Electoral Act 2026 and has since commenced a comprehensive review of its regulations governing political parties to align with the new legal framework. The commission is examining issues such as party primaries, financial disclosures, dispute resolution and inclusive participation, particularly for women, youth and Persons with Disabilities.

The reform process, supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, is expected to produce a revised 2026 edition of INEC’s regulations and guidelines ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Meanwhile, major political parties have begun digital membership registration to comply with the Electoral Act 2026. The Peoples Democratic Party announced the commencement of nationwide electronic membership registration, while the African Democratic Congress launched an online registration portal and directed members to revalidate their records.

The ruling All Progressives Congress is also expected to resume its e-registration exercise following internal consultations.

Originally scheduled for February and March 2027, the elections were rescheduled after legislative amendments shortened the mandatory notice period, with presidential and National Assembly polls now slated for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections for February 6, 2027.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to continuous reform, pledging to strengthen transparency, reduce pre-election disputes and ensure credible leadership choices for Nigerians.