The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up preparations for the 2027 general elections, directing officials to address operational gaps, uphold neutrality and eliminate weaknesses that could undermine the credibility of the polls.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the directive on Monday in Kaduna during the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 elections.
The meeting is part of INEC’s six-zone national tour to assess its preparedness, identify challenges affecting field operations and develop solutions ahead of the elections.
Amupitan said the exercise was designed to strengthen the electoral process, stressing that effective election administration ultimately depends on activities at the grassroots, particularly at Local Government Areas, Registration Area Centres and polling units.
“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,” he said.
He urged officials to use the engagement to identify practical challenges in their areas and work with the commission’s headquarters to resolve them before election day.
The INEC chairman said the commission was drawing lessons from recent elections as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
He also warned officials against partisan conduct and administrative negligence, noting that neutrality and professionalism would be essential to sustaining public confidence in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, INEC has scheduled October 9 for the commencement of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.