Abuja, Nigeria – With exactly six months remaining until the next presidential election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has significantly accelerated its preparatory tempo. The electoral body is actively reviewing its systems and processes, drawing lessons from the 2023 polls to ensure a more seamless and credible electoral exercise in 2027 [2, 5, 6, 11].

In a recent disclosure, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, revealed that the commission is contemplating the execution of a nationwide mock presidential election. This exercise, alongside a comprehensive audit of all electoral technology systems, is designed to rigorously test the preparedness of the commission's infrastructure and identify potential vulnerabilities before the actual polls [2, 5, 6, 11]. This initiative aims to prevent a repeat of the technical glitches that marred the 2023 presidential election, particularly concerning the electronic transmission of results [2, 11].

Professor Amupitan emphasized that while these tests were not originally part of the commission's budget, INEC is exploring all avenues to implement them, recognizing their potential to bolster the credibility of the upcoming elections [6]. The commission is also taking steps to address emerging digital risks, including the growing threat of disinformation and the criminal use of artificial intelligence during elections [2].

Beyond technological preparations, INEC is also undertaking a comprehensive review of its Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. This process is intended to align with the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026 and address persistent challenges such as opaque party primaries, membership disputes, and weak financial disclosure practices, all of which have contributed to pre-election litigation and uncertainty [16].

The intensified preparations come at a time when scrutiny is increasing regarding the timely release of funds for election logistics and equipment deployment [5]. Experts highlight that delayed funding could impede the commission's ability to adequately prepare and reassure political stakeholders [5].

The 2023 Nigerian general elections were held on February 25, 2023, for the presidential and National Assembly, followed by gubernatorial and state assembly elections on March 18, 2023 [4, 7, 8, 9]. With the next presidential election slated for 2027, INEC's proactive measures signal a commitment to enhancing transparency, efficiency, and public trust in Nigeria's democratic process.