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, but cautioned that a “100 per cent perfect election” may not be achievable.
Amupitan spoke on Sunday during the Citizens’ Town Hall programme, aired live on major television networks, themed ‘Electoral Act 2026: What it Means for Your Votes and the 2027 Elections’. The discussion was anchored by presenter Seun Okinbaloye and Yiaga Africa Executive Director, Samson Itodo. In attendance were political figures including APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Labour Party Interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Ireti Kingibe.
Acknowledging public demand for perfect elections, Amupitan urged Nigerians to manage expectations. “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, adding that the commission has the capacity for electronic results transmission, though real-time reporting may face challenges.
Using the recent FCT Area Council elections as an example, he noted that delays in Kabi ward were due to difficult terrain and limited network accessibility, rather than technical shortcomings. “The problem is the adequacy of the network… in some wards, results were transmitted later than expected,” he explained. He stressed that logistics remain central to election credibility: “Where there is logistics failure, you know that you are beginning to fail.”
Amupitan emphasised that elections are the lifeblood of democracy and highlighted the importance of voter education and transparency. He also noted INEC’s involvement in the drafting of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced provisions for mandatory transmission of results and other electoral reforms.
In preparation for 2027, INEC has begun a comprehensive review of its regulations governing political parties. According to the Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the initiative aims to strengthen party oversight, improve compliance, reduce pre-election disputes, and enhance public confidence. A technical workshop involving commissioners, directors, legal experts, and stakeholders is examining the 2022 regulatory framework to align it fully with the Electoral Act 2026 and emerging electoral realities.
Amupitan expressed optimism that the 2027 elections will be the best in Nigeria’s history, citing increased voter awareness and public demand for accountability. “By the time you have a transparent election, and people begin to trust INEC and trust their leaders, then the country will move forward,” he said.
