Politics
We’ll Deliver Our Best, But 2027 Election May Not Be 100% Perfect – INEC
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission has the capacity to electronically transmit election results in 2027, while cautioning that a “100 per cent perfect election” cannot be guaranteed.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Sunday during the Citizens’ Town Hall programme aired live on Channels Television, themed ‘Electoral Act 2026: What it means for your votes and the 2027 elections.’
He urged Nigerians to manage expectations, stressing that although INEC is committed to conducting credible polls, perfection remains unrealistic.
“Let me just appeal to Nigerians, because I have noticed now that 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 said.
Electronic Transmission Capacity Confirmed
Addressing concerns over electronic transmission of results, Amupitan maintained that INEC has the technical capacity to transmit results electronically in the 2027 general elections.
He noted, however, that the main challenge lies in defining and achieving “real-time” transmission, especially in remote areas.
Citing the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, he explained that while results were transmitted promptly in five out of six area councils, delays occurred in Kabi Ward of Kuje Area Council due to poor terrain and communication challenges.
According to him, electoral officials deployed to the ward were temporarily unreachable due to network limitations, and results were eventually physically transported and collated the following day.
“I don’t see the issue of transmission as really a problem,” he said. “The problem I have seen is the adequacy of the network we have.”
Electoral Act 2026 and Reform Efforts
Amupitan disclosed that INEC played an active role in shaping the Electoral Act 2026. The review process, he said, began nearly three years ago through collaboration between the National Assembly, civil society organisations and the commission.
He revealed that INEC advocated for mandatory transmission of results during legislative discussions, especially following controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections.
“Even talking about transmission of results, the original provision from the National Assembly retreat was not exactly what you have today. When INEC came in, we talked of transmission being mandatory,” he said.
Logistics Remain Critical
The INEC chairman emphasised that logistics remain the backbone of credible elections, warning that operational failures can undermine public confidence.
“Your election can be as good as your logistics. Where there is logistics failure, you know that you are beginning to fail,” he stated.
He admitted that the FCT poll experienced some logistical and human errors but assured Nigerians that corrective measures were being implemented.
Optimism for 2027 Elections
Despite the challenges, Amupitan expressed optimism that the 2027 general elections would represent a significant improvement, citing increased voter awareness and stronger public demand for transparency.
“Election is the lifeblood of democracy. According to Abraham Lincoln, the ballot is more powerful than the bullets,” he said, stressing the importance of voter education and institutional accountability.
He added that Nigerians in 2027 would be more politically conscious than in previous election cycles, which he believes will positively impact the electoral process.
“But I want to assure you that the election of 2027 will be the best election that Nigerians will have,” he said. “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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