The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the 2027 General Election, directing electoral officials to address operational shortcomings, uphold neutrality and strengthen field operations to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, gave the directive on Monday during the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 General Election held in Kaduna.
The meeting forms part of the Commission’s nationwide assessment tour across the six geopolitical zones aimed at evaluating its level of preparedness, identifying challenges in field operations and developing practical solutions ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking at the event, Amupitan said the Commission’s visit to Kaduna was more than a routine administrative exercise, describing it as a strategic effort to strengthen the foundations of Nigeria’s electoral system before the next general election.
He stressed that the success of elections is ultimately determined at the grassroots level, particularly within Local Government Areas, Registration Area Centres and polling units where electoral officials engage directly with voters.
“The true success of any election is not decided solely in the meeting rooms of our headquarters in Abuja. It is decided in the field,” the INEC chairman said.
Amupitan urged electoral personnel to use the engagement to identify practical challenges affecting election administration in their respective jurisdictions and collaborate with the Commission’s headquarters to address them before election day.
According to him, INEC is drawing lessons from previous elections as it prepares for the larger national assignment in 2027, with a focus on improving efficiency and public confidence in the electoral process.
The chairman also warned officials against partisan conduct and administrative negligence, emphasizing that the neutrality, professionalism and integrity of field personnel would play a critical role in ensuring credible elections.
As part of preparations for the polls, INEC announced that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will commence on October 9, a move expected to boost voter participation and support the ongoing electoral readiness programme.
The North-West engagement is one of several consultations being undertaken by the Commission as it seeks to identify operational gaps, strengthen institutional capacity and ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
