The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and transparent 2027 General Election as it welcomed a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) for its Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM) in Abuja.
The delegation, led by IRI President Dr. Dan Twining, is in Nigeria from August 11 to 21, 2026, to assess INEC’s level of preparedness for the 2027 elections and identify areas where international collaboration and technical support can strengthen the electoral process.
Speaking during the interactive session, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, described the visit as timely, coming just days after the successful conduct of the Osun State off-cycle governorship election and on the eve of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 General Election.
He said the Commission had used recent off-cycle elections and legislative by-elections as operational tests to strengthen its electoral technology, logistics and security coordination.
According to the INEC Chairman, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal have continued to record high operational reliability, with result upload rates exceeding 98 percent in recent elections, helping to enhance transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
Prof. Amupitan disclosed that the Commission is preparing for one of the largest electoral operations in Nigeria’s history, with plans to deploy approximately 1.4 million ad hoc personnel across more than 176,000 polling units nationwide during the 2027 polls.
He added that INEC is strengthening logistics, expanding early deployment strategies and improving collaboration with transport unions to ensure the timely delivery of election materials and personnel.
�The Commission also highlighted reforms aimed at improving voter registration, including the introduction of online voter registration, continuous voter register updates and measures to maintain the accuracy of the voters’ register.
It further pledged greater inclusivity by expanding access for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly during elections.
�Addressing emerging threats to electoral integrity, the INEC Chairman identified misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence as major concerns ahead of the elections.
He said the Commission has established an AI-focused unit to develop protocols for the responsible use of artificial intelligence while combating false information capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Prof. Amupitan reiterated that INEC remains a neutral electoral umpire with no preference for any political party or candidate, stressing that its sole mandate is to deliver elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
He also cited the recent Osun governorship election as evidence of the Commission’s commitment to credible and peaceful elections while acknowledging the need to improve voter turnout in future polls.
In his remarks, IRI President Dr. Dan Twining said the institute’s mission is to support a competitive, peaceful and credible electoral process in Nigeria. He noted that the delegation is eager to understand INEC’s preparations, assess potential challenges and explore ways the international community can contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“We know how committed Nigerians are to exercising their democratic rights,” Twining said. “Our interest is a competitive, peaceful and credible election in Nigeria, and we look forward to learning how we can support that objective.”
