The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, alongside the off-cycle governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states, will serve as vital testing grounds for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at the commencement of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat in Lagos, the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, indicated that these mid-term electoral milestones are essential for the refinement of the Commission’s operational readiness.
The retreat, designed to induct newly appointed Commission Members and Resident Electoral Commissioners into INEC’s administrative and ethical framework, focused heavily on institutional coherence. Professor Amupitan emphasised that while the 2027 mandate remains the ultimate objective, the Commission must first navigate immediate challenges with precision.
“These elections will serve as important testing grounds for refining voter registry management, election logistics, and the deployment of technology, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS),” the Chairman remarked. He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to delivering processes that are transparent, inclusive, and beyond reproach.
In response to heightening public expectations, Professor Amupitan outlined five “non-negotiable pillars” intended to guide the Commission’s mandate through to 2027:
- Independence: Elections must remain entirely free from external interference.
- Fairness: Equitable treatment of all political parties and candidates.
- Credibility: Ensuring the process is respected by both the Nigerian populace and the international community.
- Transparency: Openness across every stage of the electoral cycle.
- Inclusivity: Guaranteeing that no eligible citizen is disenfranchised.
Earlier in the proceedings, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Professor Ayobami Salami, described the retreat as a “significant milestone” in the Commission’s ongoing evolution. He noted that at a time when public scrutiny is at its zenith, early planning and strategic alignment are indispensable.
Professor Salami further asserted that institutional cohesion and a strict adherence to the rule of law would be the primary factors in ensuring the success of the 2027 cycle. The Commission continues to strengthen its leadership capacity and operational systems as it prepares for the high-stakes elections scheduled for February 2026.
