INEC, IRI Deepen Partnership as 2027 Election Preparations Gather Momentum

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up preparations for the 2027 General Election as it hosted a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) undertaking a Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM) in Nigeria.

The IRI delegation, led by its President, Dr. Dan Twining, is in Nigeria from August 11 to 21, 2026, to assess INEC’s preparedness for the 2027 elections and identify areas where international cooperation and technical support could strengthen the electoral process.

Speaking during an interactive session with the delegation in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, described the visit as timely, coming shortly after the Osun State governorship election and ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 General Election.

Amupitan said recent off-cycle elections and legislative by-elections had provided the Commission with opportunities to test and improve its electoral technology, logistics and security arrangements ahead of the 2027 polls.

He disclosed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal had continued to demonstrate high levels of operational reliability, with result-upload rates exceeding 98 percent in recent elections.

According to him, the performance of the systems is helping to promote greater transparency and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

The INEC Chairman further revealed that the Commission is preparing for one of the largest electoral operations in the country’s history, with plans to deploy approximately 1.4 million ad hoc personnel across more than 176,000 polling units nationwide.

He said INEC was also strengthening its logistics operations, expanding early deployment strategies and improving collaboration with transport unions to facilitate the timely movement of election materials and personnel.

On voter registration, the Commission highlighted ongoing reforms, including online voter registration and continuous updates to the voters’ register, aimed at improving accessibility and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the register.

INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to a more inclusive electoral process by improving access for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly voters.

However, Amupitan identified misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence as emerging threats to electoral integrity ahead of 2027.

He disclosed that INEC had established an AI-focused unit to develop protocols for the responsible use of artificial intelligence while tackling false information capable of undermining public trust in elections.

Reiterating the Commission’s neutrality, Amupitan said INEC had no preference for any political party or candidate, stressing that its responsibility was to conduct elections that accurately reflect the will of Nigerians.

He cited the recent Osun governorship election as part of the Commission’s efforts to deliver credible and peaceful elections, while acknowledging the need for improved voter turnout.

In his remarks, IRI President Dr. Dan Twining said the institute’s mission was to support a competitive, peaceful and credible electoral process in Nigeria.

Twining said the delegation was interested in understanding INEC’s preparations, identifying potential challenges and exploring how international partners could contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“We know how committed Nigerians are to exercising their democratic rights,” Twining said, adding that IRI’s interest was in supporting “a competitive, peaceful and credible election in Nigeria.”

The engagement signals growing international interest in Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 elections, as INEC intensifies efforts to strengthen technology, logistics, voter registration, inclusivity and public confidence ahead of the polls.