The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to subject its election technology to a comprehensive audit and carry out a mock presidential election before the 2027 general election as it intensifies partnership with the British High Commission to enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
This disclosure was made on Thursday when the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), played host to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja for high level discussions on electoral reforms, technology and preparations for the next general election.
The suggested revisions are among INEC’s most ambitious attempts since the 2023 general election, as the Commission seeks to test its technological infrastructure and operational capabilities before Nigerians vote in 2027.
At the conference, Amupitan said the Commission was considering a complete technological audit of its electoral systems and a simulated presidential election to test the readiness of election people, logistics and digital infrastructure.
He said the measures are meant to address lessons from the 2023 elections, especially issues around the implementation and functioning of electoral equipment.
He said the proposed audit would X-ray the technical architecture of INEC while the mock presidential poll would X-ray the whole country to examine every step of the electoral process before the actual election.
However, the two projects are still to be included in the Commission’s budget, the INEC Chairman said, adding that efforts would be made to obtain financing if they receive final approval.
Amupitan also highlighted ongoing investments in election technology such as continuous deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) and continuing cyber-security measures such as system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery mechanisms.
He said election technology and cyber-security are key areas of cooperation between INEC and the United Kingdom and commended the British Government and development partners, especially the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for their continued technical support.
INEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to conduct free, fair, credible and transparent elections, stressing that the restoration of public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy is a collective effort of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens. Demographic data
In response, the British High Commissioner, Dr Richard Montgomery, restated the United Kingdom’s commitment to support Nigeria’s democratic institutions, adding that Britain has been closely monitoring INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general election, recent off-cycle elections and the upcoming Osun State governorship election.
Montgomery, who is due to complete his diplomatic duty in Nigeria in approximately six weeks, assured the Commission of the seamless continuity of the UK’s assistance for Nigeria’s election reforms under his replacement.
The conference is a fresh effort by INEC and the British High Commission to improve Nigeria’s electoral system through technology, institutional reforms and foreign cooperation as the country gears up for the 2027 polls.
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