2027 elections may not be perfect – INEC Chairman

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has cautioned Nigerians against expecting a flawless process in the 2027 general elections, noting that while the commission will aim high, perfection may not be immediately achievable

Speaking during the Citizens’ Town Hall programme on the Electoral Act 2026, he appealed for realistic expectations.

“Let me just appeal to Nigerians… what Nigerians desire is a perfect election. And 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 reaffirmed INEC’s readiness to transmit election results electronically, stressing that the commission possesses the technical capacity to do so.

“As far as electronic transmission of results is concerned… we have the capacity to transmit the results, and that we’re going to transmit the results. The only concern was real-time.”

Addressing concerns about delays in past elections, Amupitan pointed to network limitations rather than systemic failure. Using the recent FCT Area Council election as an example, he explained that difficult terrain and communication setbacks slowed the upload of results from Kabi ward in Kuje.

“I don’t see the issue of transmission as really a problem… the problem I have seen is the adequacy of the network we have.”

He emphasized that efficient logistics are fundamental to credible elections, warning that operational breakdowns can undermine the entire process.

“Your election can be as good as your logistics. So, where there is logistics failure, you know that you are beginning to fail.”

The INEC chairman admitted that some setbacks were due to human error but assured Nigerians that corrective measures are already underway.

Despite acknowledging the hurdles, he expressed confidence that the 2027 elections will surpass previous exercises in transparency and credibility.

“I want to assure you that the election of 2027 will be the best election that Nigerians will have… by the time you have a transparent election, and people begin to trust INEC and trust their leaders, then the country will move forward.”

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