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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the off-cycle governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 2026, will serve as a major rehearsal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known at the opening of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat in Lagos.
He said that while the 2027 general election remains the Commission’s main priority, INEC must first deliver several critical electoral exercises successfully.
According to Amupitan, the retreat aims to acquaint newly appointed National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners with INEC’s institutional framework, administrative processes, communication systems and ethical standards.
He explained that the forthcoming elections would provide an opportunity to test and improve voter register management, election logistics and the use of technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive as preparations for 2027 gather momentum.
Amupitan hinted that INEC is deliberately strengthening its leadership capacity, operational effectiveness, and internal cohesion in response to rising public expectations of the electoral process.
He stressed that early preparation, effective coordination and strict adherence to the rule of law would be crucial to the credibility of the 2027 general election.
Outlining the Commission’s guiding principles, Amupitan listed elections free from interference, fairness to all political parties and candidates, local and international credibility, transparency at every stage, and inclusivity to ensure no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised.
Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, described the retreat as an important step in INEC’s institutional growth.
He said proactive planning, coordination, and unity within the Commission are essential as preparations intensify towards the 2027 general election.
Salami added that the retreat provides a platform for reflection, strategic alignment, and institutional strengthening at a time when public expectations and confidence in the electoral process are at their highest.
