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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections by upgrading its digital infrastructure, strengthening cyber security and refining its election management systems to ensure a more transparent and credible electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this in Abuja while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and members of his delegation.
Amupitan said the commission had resolved to improve its existing election technology instead of introducing a completely new system, noting that the time available before the 2027 polls made upgrading current platforms the most practical option.
He explained that INEC was developing a self-service online voter registration platform to make registration easier for eligible Nigerians, while retaining the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation during elections.
According to him, the commission has also carried out comprehensive reviews of its cyber security architecture, including data protection measures, penetration testing, disaster recovery systems and communication channels, to safeguard the integrity of future elections.
The INEC chairman said the commission would embark on extensive online training for its personnel before commencing physical capacity-building programmes as part of preparations for the polls.
Expressing concern over declining public confidence in the electoral process, Amupitan said INEC was determined to restore trust through the conduct of credible, transparent and acceptable elections.
He also identified misinformation, disinformation and the growing use of artificial intelligence to manipulate public opinion as emerging threats to Nigeria\'s electoral process, adding that the commission was putting measures in place to counter such challenges.
Amupitan further revealed that INEC had commenced early procurement and logistics planning to avoid the operational setbacks experienced in previous elections.
\"We have, on our own, tried to navigate most of those issues,\" he said.
In his remarks, the British High Commissioner reaffirmed the United Kingdom\'s commitment to supporting Nigeria\'s democratic development and electoral process.
Montgomery said the UK would continue its security, governance and defence partnership with Nigeria as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
He noted that both countries enjoy a long-standing relationship, strengthened by the strategic partnership agreement signed in 2024 and President Bola Tinubu\'s state visit to the United Kingdom in March.
The envoy added that Britain\'s interest in Nigeria\'s electoral process was aimed at providing both technical assistance and moral support to help strengthen democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 polls.
