INEC Targets Africa’s Gold Standard in 2027 Elections

Jane Salihu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its resolve to deliver a free, fair and credible 2027 General Election that will serve as a benchmark for election management across Africa.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan stated this on Friday in Lagos while opening the Commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat for National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners and top management staff.

He said preparations for 2027 are already underway, noting that upcoming elections — including the February 2026 FCT Area Council polls and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states — will serve as critical test runs to fine-tune INEC’s systems, logistics and deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Prof. Amupitan outlined five non-negotiable pillars guiding INEC’s mandate: elections free from interference, fairness, credibility, transparency and inclusivity, with special consideration for young voters, persons with disabilities and those in hard-to-reach areas.

He stressed strict adherence to the Electoral Act, warning that misconduct by officials would attract consequences, while assuring staff of his commitment to their welfare.

He placed particular emphasis on the growing influence of young voters, noting that millions of Nigerians approaching voting age before 2027 are digital natives with high expectations for transparency and accountability.

“These tech-savvy and often skeptical young voters demand transparency in real time. By getting it right, we are not just conducting an election; we are securing the lifelong trust of Nigeria’s future in the ballot,” he said.

The INEC chairman also emphasized strict adherence to the legal framework governing elections, insisting that the Electoral Act and its amendments would be applied without compromise.

“Under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system,” he declared, warning that any form of misconduct, whether by omission or commission, would attract consequences.

The two-day retreat is focusing on 17 thematic areas, including election logistics, voter registration, security, inter-agency collaboration and political party regulation, as part of efforts to strengthen public confidence and position INEC as a world-class election management body ahead of 2027.