The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a mock presidential election as part of preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
The proposed exercise is aimed at testing the Commission’s electoral systems, logistics and technology to identify and address possible challenges before the main presidential poll.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the plan on Thursday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, the Commission is considering a comprehensive audit of all its electoral technology systems alongside the mock election. He explained that the initiative was inspired by concerns raised after the 2023 general election, particularly regarding the reliability of election technology.
He said the simulation would allow INEC to assess the readiness of its processes, technology and operational framework before the 2027 elections.
The INEC chairman acknowledged that the proposed audit and mock election were not included in the Commission’s current budget but noted that efforts would be made to secure the necessary resources because of their importance to improving electoral credibility.
Amupitan said the planned exercise forms part of broader reforms designed to strengthen the Commission’s technological infrastructure. These include the continued deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and ongoing improvements to cyber-security measures such as system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery mechanisms.
He stressed that public confidence in elections depends largely on the reliability of the Commission’s technology and operational processes, adding that INEC remains committed to addressing shortcomings identified during previous elections.
The INEC chairman also highlighted election technology and cyber-security as key areas of collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He commended the support received from the UK government and other international partners, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), in enhancing Nigeria’s electoral system.
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and peaceful elections that reflect the will of Nigerians. He added that achieving credible elections requires the cooperation of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and the electorate.
Speaking during the visit, British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery said the UK had been closely monitoring INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, including recent off-cycle elections and ongoing preparations for the Osun State governorship poll.
Montgomery described the UK’s continued engagement as part of its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process. He also expressed confidence that the strong partnership between both countries would continue after the end of his tenure, assuring INEC of sustained British support ahead of the 2027 general election.INEC Plans Mock Presidential Election Ahead of 2027 Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a mock presidential election as part of preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
The proposed exercise is aimed at testing the Commission’s electoral systems, logistics and technology to identify and address possible challenges before the main presidential poll.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the plan on Thursday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, the Commission is considering a comprehensive audit of all its electoral technology systems alongside the mock election. He explained that the initiative was inspired by concerns raised after the 2023 general election, particularly regarding the reliability of election technology.
He said the simulation would allow INEC to assess the readiness of its processes, technology and operational framework before the 2027 elections.
The INEC chairman acknowledged that the proposed audit and mock election were not included in the Commission’s current budget but noted that efforts would be made to secure the necessary resources because of their importance to improving electoral credibility.
Amupitan said the planned exercise forms part of broader reforms designed to strengthen the Commission’s technological infrastructure. These include the continued deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and ongoing improvements to cyber-security measures such as system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery mechanisms.
He stressed that public confidence in elections depends largely on the reliability of the Commission’s technology and operational processes, adding that INEC remains committed to addressing shortcomings identified during previous elections.
The INEC chairman also highlighted election technology and cyber-security as key areas of collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He commended the support received from the UK government and other international partners, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), in enhancing Nigeria’s electoral system.
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and peaceful elections that reflect the will of Nigerians. He added that achieving credible elections requires the cooperation of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and the electorate.
Speaking during the visit, British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery said the UK had been closely monitoring INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, including recent off-cycle elections and ongoing preparations for the Osun State governorship poll.
Montgomery described the UK’s continued engagement as part of its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process. He also expressed confidence that the strong partnership between both countries would continue after the end of his tenure, assuring INEC of sustained British support ahead of the 2027 general election.
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