The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission is capable of electronically transmitting results in the 2027 general elections, while cautioning that it cannot promise a “100 per cent perfect” poll.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Sunday during the Citizens’ Town Hall programme themed ‘Electoral Act 2026: What it Means for Your Votes and the 2027 Elections,’ aired live on major television networks.
He urged Nigerians to manage expectations, stressing that although INEC would strive to deliver its best performance yet, perfection remains unrealistic.
“What Nigerians desire is a perfect election. INEC will strive as much as possible to give this country the best election. However, we may not be able to achieve a 100 per cent perfect election for now,” he said.
On the contentious issue of electronic transmission of results — which dominated debates after the 2023 elections — Amupitan reiterated that the commission has the capacity to transmit results electronically. He clarified, however, that the main challenge lies in defining and achieving real-time transmission, particularly in remote areas with limited network access.
He cited the recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections as an example, noting that while results from five councils were transmitted promptly, one ward in Kuje Area Council experienced delays due to difficult terrain and communication challenges.
Despite the setback, he maintained that transmission itself was not the core issue, but rather network adequacy and logistical constraints.
“Your election can be as good as your logistics. Where there is logistics failure, you are beginning to fail,” he said, acknowledging that the FCT poll recorded minor logistical and human errors, which the commission is already working to address.
Amupitan expressed optimism that the 2027 general elections would represent significant progress compared to previous cycles, citing increased voter awareness and growing public demand for transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, INEC has commenced a comprehensive review of its regulations and guidelines for political parties ahead of the 2027 polls. According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the review aims to align party regulations with the Electoral Act 2026 and address emerging electoral challenges.
The commission said the technical workshop in Abuja would involve national commissioners, legal experts, directors and institutional stakeholders in a clause-by-clause review of the 2022 regulatory framework governing political parties.
INEC noted that the Electoral Act 2026 introduced major legal and operational changes affecting candidate nomination, compliance obligations, dispute resolution and party administration. The review is expected to strengthen oversight, improve financial accountability and promote inclusive participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in party structures.
Technical support for the reform process is being provided by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, alongside Nigerian legal and electoral experts.
Amupitan emphasised that credible elections depend not only on INEC’s performance but also on transparent and law-abiding political parties.
“For elections to inspire public confidence, the institutions that produce candidates must themselves operate transparently and within the law,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that while perfection may not be guaranteed, the commission is determined to deliver its most credible and transparent elections yet in 2027.
