The Independent National Electoral Commission says it has completed comprehensive reviews of its cybersecurity, cyber architecture, data systems, penetration testing, disaster recovery mechanisms and communication protocols as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan disclosed the reviews while hosting British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery and his team in Abuja, explaining that rather than replace its underlying technology given time constraints, the commission opted to improve what it already has. So we are hoping to evolve the technology whereby you can have self service voter registration, that’s online registration, he said, in terms of technology, we continue to deploy our Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, adding that the commission has also decided to train staff online ahead of physical training closer to the elections. We have also undertaken comprehensive reviews of our cyber security, cyber architecture, the data systems, our residents, penetration testing, disaster recovery mechanism, and communication protocols, he said, noting that alongside improved technology, public confidence remains a challenge, since trust is currently low but the commission believes credible election outcomes will help rebuild it. As it is, he said, one of the challenges we have is that of misinformation, and the increase in use of AI to promote disinformation, adding that on logistics and personnel, the commission has already begun early procurement and planning to get ahead of known issues where it can.
Montgomery said the UK remains actively engaged in a security and defence partnership with Nigeria with a particular focus on the 2027 elections, pointing to the strategic partnership both countries signed in 2024 and President Tinubu’s state visit to the UK in March as evidence of strong bilateral ties. So, we have a very strong interest and investment in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he said, so I hope you will take our interest in your democratic process as a sign of support, both moral and, in a small way, some practical support that we have been discussing with you, sir, in the run up to 2027, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process through both moral and practical assistance.
