By Lateef Ibrahim
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission is committed to conducting elections that meet higher standards of efficiency, credibility and public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Saturday while monitoring the multiple legislative bye-elections from INEC’s National Situation Room at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
His remarks came amid speculation over his alleged involvement in plans to manipulate the 2027 presidential election following a recent foreign trip.
However, the INEC chairman said the commission remained focused on strengthening its electoral processes and resolving operational challenges as they arise.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution. Whatever administrative or field challenges arose before the day of the elections, the commission was able to nip them in the bud effectively,” Amupitan said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola.
He added that INEC would continue to refine its procedures to ensure that subsequent electoral exercises demonstrate improved efficiency and public confidence.
The chairman described the four bye-elections held in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as important tests of Nigeria’s electoral infrastructure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the commission would use lessons from the exercises to identify areas requiring improvement in logistics, technology and field administration.
“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” he said.
Amupitan stressed that no election should be regarded as insignificant, noting that every electoral exercise provides an opportunity for INEC to evaluate its preparedness.
“We must resist the temptation to view any exercise as merely an ordinary bye-election. Every election is a critical component of our broader preparations for the 2027 general elections,” he said.
He explained that the exercises enabled the commission to audit its logistics framework, test its technological systems and assess the readiness of its personnel in the field.
The INEC chairman was accompanied by National Commissioners and senior management officials as operational reports from the various states were received at the Situation Room.
The commission conducted legislative bye-elections in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State, and Udu State Constituency of Delta State.
Amupitan also commended the officials and technical personnel who participated in monitoring the elections, saying their efforts enabled the commission to track developments across the affected constituencies.
The exercises are expected to provide INEC with operational lessons as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
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