Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, Delta Bye-Elections Provide Lessons For 2027 – Amupitan

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has described the bye-elections held across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states over the weekend as critical operational tests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Prof. Amupitan said the elections provided the Commission with an opportunity to assess its logistics, technology and administrative preparedness for future nationwide polls.

Speaking on Saturday while monitoring the elections from INEC’s National Situation Room at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the INEC Chairman said no election should be regarded as routine, stressing that every electoral exercise offers lessons for improving subsequent polls.

The four bye-elections were conducted in Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State; Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State; and Udu State Constituency of Delta State.

“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” Prof. Amupitan said.

He added that the Commission would use the experience from the elections to continuously audit its logistics framework, test its technological deployment and evaluate the readiness of its field operations.

The INEC Chairman, who was accompanied by National Commissioners and senior management officials, said operational bottlenecks identified before the polls were promptly addressed.

“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution,” he said, assuring Nigerians that the Commission remained committed to improving its processes and strengthening public confidence in future elections.

Prof. Amupitan also commended the technical team and other officials in the Situation Room for facilitating the seamless monitoring of the multi-state elections.