The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering conducting a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems and organising a mock presidential election as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Amupitan said the proposals were being considered in response to concerns that emerged from the 2023 general election, particularly regarding the reliability and performance of election technology.
According to him, the commission is exploring the possibility of conducting a full audit of all its electoral technology systems before the 2027 polls, while also considering a mock presidential election to test the readiness of its processes, infrastructure and technology.
“The proposals are aimed at strengthening preparations for the 2027 general election and addressing concerns arising from previous elections, particularly in relation to election technology,” he said.
The INEC chairman noted that the proposed audit and mock election were being considered by the commission as part of broader efforts to enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
He explained that although the exercises were not included in the commission’s budget, INEC would examine ways to implement them if they are deemed necessary.
According to him, the commission recognises the critical role technology plays in election management and is determined to ensure that all systems function optimally before the next general election.
Amupitan linked the proposals to ongoing efforts to improve technological reliability, including the continued deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
He added that the commission is also reviewing its cyber-security framework, with emphasis on system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery mechanisms.
The INEC chairman said public trust in elections depends significantly on the reliability of the commission’s technology and operational processes.
“Public confidence in the electoral process depends significantly on the reliability of the Commission’s technology and processes,” he said, adding that INEC remains committed to addressing gaps identified from previous elections ahead of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan also identified election technology and cyber-security as key areas of collaboration between INEC and the United Kingdom.
He said the commission values the technical support it has received from the UK and other international development partners, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections, stressing that electoral integrity requires the collective efforts of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens.
He added that INEC would continue to pursue reforms and innovations aimed at ensuring that future elections accurately reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
