The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering conducting a mock presidential election and a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, the proposals are currently being considered by the commission and are intended to address concerns raised after the 2023 general elections, particularly those relating to the performance and reliability of election technology.
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He said INEC was exploring the possibility of carrying out a full audit of its technological systems before the 2027 elections and staging a mock presidential poll to test the readiness of its electoral processes and digital infrastructure.
Exercise is not included in the budget
The INEC chairman acknowledged that the proposed audit and mock election were not part of the commission’s approved budget.
He, however, said the commission would examine ways to implement the plans if they were considered necessary, noting that they could significantly improve the credibility of the 2027 elections.
Focus on Technology and Cyber Security
Amupitan explained that the proposals align with INEC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its technological systems.
These efforts include the continued deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), as well as a review of the commission’s cyber-security framework covering system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery measures.
He noted that public confidence in elections depends largely on the reliability of the commission’s technology and operational processes, adding that lessons from previous elections would guide preparations for 2027.
UK Partnership Continues
The INEC chairman identified election technology and cyber security as key areas of cooperation between the commission and the United Kingdom.
He said INEC would continue to work with the UK and other development partners, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
Amupitan also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections, stressing that electoral integrity requires the collective efforts of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and the electorate.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.