The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering a full audit of its electoral technology systems and a mock presidential election as part of its preparations for the 2027 general election. This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. The proposed measures aim to address concerns raised during the 2023 general election, particularly around the reliability and integrity of election technology.
Professor Amupitan emphasized that the audit and mock election are not currently included in INEC’s budget but would be pursued if necessary due to their potential to enhance the credibility of the electoral process. He stressed that these steps are critical to ensuring public confidence in the upcoming elections. The Commission is also reviewing its cybersecurity architecture, including system redundancy, penetration testing, and disaster recovery protocols, to strengthen its technological infrastructure.
The INEC Chairman highlighted that electoral credibility depends heavily on the reliability of technology and processes. He noted that lessons from past elections, especially those involving technical glitches and public skepticism, are driving the Commission’s proactive approach. INEC remains committed to addressing any gaps identified in previous elections to deliver a more transparent and trustworthy electoral system in 2027.
Amupitan also underscored the importance of international collaboration, particularly with the United Kingdom, in advancing electoral technology and cybersecurity. He acknowledged the valuable technical partnership between INEC and the UK, as well as with other international partners like the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). These collaborations are seen as vital in building a robust electoral framework.
He reiterated that credible elections require collective responsibility, urging political parties, security agencies, civil society, development partners, and citizens to play their part. “The Commission is committed to delivering elections that are credible, transparent and reflective of the will of Nigerians,” he stated. The proposed audit and mock election are expected to serve as key benchmarks in demonstrating INEC’s readiness and commitment to electoral integrity.
As Nigeria prepares for its next general election, these steps signal a renewed focus on technological preparedness and public trust. The outcome of these initiatives could significantly influence the credibility and smooth conduct of the 2027 polls.
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