The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the technical glitches that marred the 2023 presidential election will not recur in 2027.
Speaking at the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026, Amupitan said the commission is taking proactive measures to ensure a smooth electoral process.
“Election anywhere in the world is now about technology, but before deploying any technology, it is important to test it thoroughly,” he said. “While the BVAS was tested in the Osun and Ekiti elections, it was not fully stress-tested for the federal elections, especially the presidential election. That will change in 2027.”
Amupitan revealed that INEC will conduct a mock presidential election to rigorously test result-transmission systems across states. “The glitch is eliminated. By God’s grace, it will not surface in Nigeria. The 2027 election will be the best Nigeria has ever had,” he said.
He added that the electorate is more aware than ever and understands the link between credible elections and national development. “We want a process that guarantees legitimacy and confidence. When people trust INEC and their leaders, the country moves forward,” Amupitan said, while acknowledging that perfection is difficult but significant improvements are underway.
Last Friday, INEC announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
