2027 Elections: INEC Checks Off Nine of 14 Milestone, Seeks UK Intervention on BVAS, Cybersecurity

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed nine of the 14 key activities on its revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, as it seeks stronger technical support from the United Kingdom to address electoral technology, cybersecurity and other operational challenges.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, and his delegation at the commission’s headquarters.

Amupitan said the commission had transitioned from planning to implementing critical electoral activities, expressing confidence in its preparations for the 2027 polls.

He explained that INEC was working to strengthen the credibility of the national voters’ register through continuous voter registration, data verification, voter transfers and the removal of ineligible entries.

The chairman also confirmed that the nationwide collection and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were ongoing, while political parties had completed the submission of their candidates in compliance with the Electoral Act and statutory deadlines.

On electoral technology, Amupitan disclosed that the commission was concentrating on improving the reliability of existing systems, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of election results.

He said INEC was not planning to introduce an entirely new technological framework but would rather strengthen existing infrastructure to improve efficiency and public confidence in the electoral process.

The commission identified cybersecurity, specialised training for electoral personnel, strategic communication, voter education and combating misinformation as priority areas requiring additional technical assistance from the United Kingdom.

Amupitan also called for stronger collaboration with security agencies to safeguard election personnel, facilities and sensitive electoral materials.

Addressing concerns about voter apathy, particularly among young people, women and persons with disabilities, he said INEC was implementing initiatives to encourage wider participation in the democratic process.

He cited a university debate programme organised across the six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to deepen young people’s understanding of democracy and encourage electoral participation.

Earlier, British High Commissioner Peter Vowles said his visit was intended to familiarise himself with INEC’s responsibilities and understand the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The envoy, who said he had spent approximately eight weeks in Nigeria, described the country’s democracy as significant to its estimated 240 million citizens, the West African region and the wider international community.

He said the 2027 elections would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to demonstrate how democratic governance could function in a large and diverse country.

Vowles reaffirmed Britain’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s democratic development and strengthening its democratic institutions.

Responding, Amupitan described the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom as one founded on shared interests and a commitment to democracy, electoral integrity and institutional development.

He acknowledged Britain’s previous contributions to Nigeria’s electoral development through technical assistance, capacity building, voter education, gender inclusion and institutional reforms.

The INEC chairman expressed optimism that the renewed engagement would expand cooperation in electoral technology, cybersecurity, personnel training and measures to strengthen public confidence.

He assured Nigerians and the international community that the commission remained committed to delivering credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in 2027.

Amupitan urged local and international stakeholders to sustain their support for electoral reforms and help address weaknesses identified in previous elections.