In order to test its infrastructure for transmitting results and avoid a recurrence of previous technical issues, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced intentions to hold a nationwide mock presidential election before to the general elections in 2027.
According to reports, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan revealed this on Sunday at the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026 in Abuja, promising Nigerians that the commission is committed to holding what he called the nation’s “best election yet.”
The announcement comes after the schedule for the general election in 2027 was recently changed.
Elections for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly were previously scheduled by INEC for March 6, 2027, and the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027.
On the other hand, the new calendar places the gubernatorial and state assembly elections on February 6, 2027, and the presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027.
The commission claims that the modifications comply with the Electoral Act of 2026.
During the town hall discussion, Amupitan emphasized the significance of thoroughly testing election technologies prior to its implementation.
“Technology is now a major factor in elections everywhere, but it’s crucial to thoroughly test any new technology before implementing it,” he stated.
“A mock presidential election is one of the things we are attempting to do prior to the election in order to ensure that this transmission across the states must not fail.”
He clarified that although the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was tested in off-cycle governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti before the general elections in 2023, it was not put under enough stress to be used in a national presidential election.
He claims that the commission is eager to make sure that results are transmitted across states without any problems during the 2027 elections.
Amupitan expressed optimism that the technical issues that arose during the 2023 presidential election would not happen again.
He added that the alternative collation techniques allowed under the law are merely preventative measures and should not be used in place of electronic transmission, but that protections have already been put in place to avoid similar failures.
The chairman of INEC reiterated that the commission’s goal is to ensure smooth transmission while enhancing logistics and result collection procedures across the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed the modified Electoral Act 2026 into law, and discussions over it are still going on.
Depending on operational viability, the change allows findings to be transmitted either manually or electronically.
Additional reforms have been demanded by opposition parties, especially the requirement of electronic broadcasting with no backup plans.
Amupitan reiterated INEC’s dedication to trustworthy elections, stating that trustworthy surveys are essential to democracy.
He claimed that voters in 2027 will be more politically conscious and will recognize the connection between elections and the advancement of the country.
