Nigeria’s electoral body vowed on Wednesday its complete preparedness for the 2027 general elections, unveiling a nationwide voter revalidation drive while urging lawmakers to hasten amendments to the governing law that could impact timelines.
The Independent National Electoral Commission outlined its roadmap at a consultative session with civil society groups in Abuja, where chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan stressed adherence to current statutes amid pending reforms.
“While we have made our submissions to the National Assembly, the passage of the amendment may have implications for certain items in our timetable. However, for now, the Commission has no choice but to operate within the framework of the subsisting Electoral Act,” Amupitan said.
He appealed for expedited legislative action: “We seek your support in urging the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act.”
Amupitan highlighted a forthcoming voter cleanup: “A credible register of voters remains the bedrock of free, fair and transparent elections. Accordingly, the Commission will be embarking on a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election.”
For upcoming polls, he rallied partners to boost turnout in the Federal Capital Territory’s area council elections on February 21, 2026, involving 1.68 million voters across 2,822 polling units.
“The ongoing PVC distribution in the FCT will end on 10th February 2026, and we do not want anyone to be disenfranchised. As partners, we urge you to help mobilise FCT residents to go out and collect their PVCs,” Amupitan said.
He called for vigilance against malpractices: “Let’s work together to monitor the activities of the political parties, especially their campaigns and general conduct in the election. Let’s sensitise the public, particularly party members, to refrain from hate speech, vote buying, misinformation, disinformation and violence, and to conduct their activities strictly within the framework of the law.”
INEC has readied materials, trained staff and configured biometric systems for the FCT vote, alongside bye-elections in Rivers and Kano states on the same day, accrediting 88 observer groups overall.
