The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a review of its operational readiness across the North-West as part of efforts to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, led the assessment meeting with officials from the North-West zone in Kaduna, where previous electoral experiences, operational challenges and areas requiring improvement were examined.
The review focused on key aspects of the electoral process, including voter registration and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collection, logistics, deployment of electoral materials, operational procedures, as well as the use and management of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
According to the Commission, the exercise is aimed at identifying gaps experienced during previous elections and developing measures to address them ahead of the 2027 polls.
Among the challenges identified in some locations during the last elections were late arrival of electoral materials, technical difficulties and isolated incidents of violence.
Amupitan urged INEC personnel to remain committed to the Commission’s Code of Ethics and uphold professionalism, integrity and diligence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
As part of his engagement in the state, the INEC Chairman also visited the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, where he briefed the traditional ruler on the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
Amupitan said the Commission was also paying attention to inclusivity as preparations for the forthcoming elections progress.
Responding, the Emir commended the INEC Chairman for the visit and urged the Commission to ensure the timely distribution of electoral materials to polling units.
Bamalli also called on INEC to work towards ensuring a credible electoral process, while urging Nigerians to cooperate with the Commission and remain law-abiding throughout the electoral process.
The North-West engagement is part of INEC’s broader assessment of its operational preparedness as the Commission intensifies planning for the 2027 general elections.
