The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has cautioned Nigerians against expecting flawless polls in 2027, saying the commission cannot promise a completely perfect electoral process despite ongoing reforms.
He, however, assured that the electoral body has developed the capacity to electronically transmit results, noting that technological improvements would play a key role in strengthening transparency during the next general elections.
Amupitan spoke during a nationwide Citizens’ Town Hall programme focused on the Electoral Act 2026 and preparations for the 2027 elections. The live broadcast was moderated by television presenter Seun Okinbaloye alongside Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa.
The event drew participation from major political stakeholders, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda; Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman; former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili; and Senator Ireti Kingibe, among others.
According to the INEC chairman, elections remain the backbone of democratic governance, stressing that public understanding of voting processes and institutional openness are critical to achieving credible outcomes.
He revealed that the commission contributed significantly to the development of the Electoral Act 2026 through a collaborative process involving lawmakers and civil society groups, explaining that several recommendations were added before the legislation was finalised by the National Assembly.
Addressing debates over electronic transmission, Amupitan said INEC pushed for compulsory transmission during legislative deliberations but acknowledged that disagreements largely centred on defining “real-time” reporting of results.
He cited logistical difficulties experienced during recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, where poor road access and weak communication networks delayed results from a remote ward, adding that such operational challenges — rather than the technology itself — remain the major obstacle to instant result transmission.
