2027: INEC Vows Every Action Will Reflect Nigerians’ Will

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible, inclusive and peaceful 2027 General Election.

The Acting Chairman of INEC, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, gave the assurance on in Abuja while receiving the African Union (AU) Pre-Election Needs Assessment Mission led by former Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen.

The AU delegation is in Nigeria to assess the country’s electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections, identify gaps and explore areas requiring technical support and intervention.

Gumus described the mission as an important opportunity for peer assessment, institutional learning and strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral processes.

She said the engagement should not be treated as a mere formality but as a mechanism for enhancing institutional resilience and public confidence in the electoral process.

According to her, INEC has commenced extensive operational, technological and logistical preparations aimed at ensuring effective participation by all eligible Nigerians.

She said the Commission was also drawing lessons from recent off-cycle elections conducted in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti and Osun states to improve its preparations for 2027.

Gumus identified digital training for ad hoc election personnel, tackling election-related disinformation and deepfakes, strengthening the Election Monitoring and Support Centre, as well as improving inclusivity and gender mainstreaming as areas where AU technical and institutional support would be valuable.

She stressed that electoral integrity was a collective responsibility involving INEC, political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media, development partners and voters.

The Acting Chairman further reiterated the independence, neutrality and professionalism of the electoral commission.

She assured that under the current Commission led by Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, every administrative decision would comply with the law, while technological deployments would be geared towards enhancing transparency.

She added that the outcome of the 2027 General Election would reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian electorate.

Speaking on the purpose of the mission, Mekonnen said the AU team would undertake a supportive and consultative assessment of Nigeria’s preparations, identify existing gaps and risks, and examine possible areas of technical assistance.

He said the mission would engage INEC and other stakeholders on voter registration and register integrity, electoral technology, logistics, funding, inclusion, transparency, dispute resolution, security coordination and results management.

Mekonnen reaffirmed the AU’s partnership with Nigeria in promoting democratic governance and strengthening electoral processes across the country.