2027: INEC to Conduct Mock Presidential Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering conducting a mock presidential election and carrying out a full audit of its electoral technology systems as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The plan was disclosed on Thursday in Abuja by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery.

According to the commission, the proposed measures are aimed at improving election planning and addressing concerns that emerged after the 2023 general elections, particularly those related to the performance and reliability of election technology.

INEC said it is reviewing the possibility of testing its electoral systems through a mock presidential poll before the 2027 elections. The exercise would allow the commission to assess the readiness of its technology, procedures and operations ahead of the nationwide vote.

The commission also plans to conduct a complete audit of its election technology to identify and fix any weaknesses before the next general election.

Although the proposed activities were not included in the commission’s approved budget, INEC said it would consider ways to secure the necessary resources because of the importance of the exercises to the electoral process.

The commission explained that the planned review forms part of its wider efforts to improve the reliability of election technology. These efforts include continued use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and ongoing improvements to its cyber-security systems, including data protection, system backup, penetration testing and disaster recovery plans.

INEC stated that public trust in elections depends largely on the credibility and dependability of its technology and operational processes. It added that lessons from previous elections would guide further improvements before 2027.

The commission also identified election technology and cybersecurity as key areas of cooperation with the United Kingdom. It said it would continue working with the UK and other international partners, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.

INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, transparent and credible elections that reflect the wishes of Nigerians, adding that achieving credible elections requires the support of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and the electorate.