The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering conducting a mock presidential election alongside a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems as part of efforts to improve preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed the proposal while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the INEC chairman, the proposed mock presidential election and technology audit are being considered in response to concerns raised after the 2023 general elections, particularly regarding the performance and reliability of election technology. He explained that the Commission is exploring the possibility of carrying out a comprehensive review of all its technological systems before the next general election while also staging a nationwide simulation to test the effectiveness of its electoral processes. The exercise, he noted, is intended to identify potential weaknesses and improve operational readiness well ahead of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan acknowledged that the proposed initiatives were not originally captured in the Commission’s approved budget. However, he said INEC would explore available options to implement the plans if they are considered necessary, describing them as important measures for strengthening the credibility of future elections.
The INEC chairman linked the proposal to the Commission’s ongoing efforts to improve the reliability of election technology. He said the Commission would continue deploying the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), while also reviewing its cyber-security framework. According to him, the review covers areas such as system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery mechanisms aimed at protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
Amupitan said public confidence in elections depends largely on the credibility and reliability of the Commission’s technology and operational processes.
He added that election technology and cyber-security remain key areas of collaboration between INEC and the United Kingdom, as well as other international partners, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). The INEC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in 2027, stressing that electoral integrity requires the collective support of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and the Nigerian electorate.
