INEC begins strategic planning for 2027 elections

• Reaffirms commitment to building public confidence

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process as it begins early strategic preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Election.

The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, stated this on Tuesday at a Leadership Workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for INEC leadership, holding from January 13 to 15, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State.

Prof. Amupitan, while describing the workshop as timely, noted that the Commission is navigating a critical period of leadership transition marked by changes at the top and the retirement of several directors and senior management staff after years of distinguished service to the nation.

He said institutional continuity must be anchored on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership and unity of vision, rather than the mere preservation of structures.

According to him, continuity does not imply sameness but the ability to faithfully carry forward INEC’s constitutional mandate while adapting to emerging realities with insight and resolve.

Looking ahead to the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Election, the INEC Chairman said Nigerians expect an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct and credible in its outcomes.

He explained that these expectations informed the Commission’s ongoing induction and strategic retreat aimed at setting a clear direction for 2027 and beyond.

Prof. Amupitan acknowledged that despite significant reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023, public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile.

He warned that democracy cannot thrive without trust, noting that misinformation and disinformation have increasingly undermined confidence in elections.

“In an era where fake news travels faster than the truth, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against orchestrated falsehoods even before the first vote is cast,” he said.

Amupitan reaffirmed that under his leadership, the Commission remains firmly committed to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines.

He added that rebuilding public confidence is a daily operational responsibility that guides every decision of the Commission.

Amupitan further noted that the leadership workshop, which brought together the Chairman and all National Commissioners, reflects INEC’s belief in collective leadership and shared responsibility in addressing electoral risks and seizing emerging opportunities.

Also speaking at the event, the IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Seray Jah, said the workshop marks the early strategic phase of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 General Election, stressing that the credibility of elections is largely shaped by decisions taken early in the electoral cycle.

He said IFES has partnered with INEC since 1998 in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system through support for strategic planning, election operations, technology deployment, institutional reform and inclusion.

According to him, the workshop provides INEC’s leadership with an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges, including increasingly complex logistics, the responsible use of technology, misinformation and AI-driven risks, internal coordination, and public confidence in a highly polarised environment.

Mr. Jah reaffirmed IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 electoral cycle and beyond, while also acknowledging the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in promoting electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.

The three-day workshop brought together INEC National Commissioners, senior management staff and international partners to deliberate on strategic opportunities and challenges in electoral administration, with a focus on leadership, institutional resilience and public trust.