2027: Reps Summon INEC Chairman Over Election Preparations

The House of Representatives has directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, to appear before its Committee on Electoral Matters within seven legislative days to explain the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general election.

The directive followed the adoption of a motion during Wednesday’s plenary session, amid concerns about electoral logistics, voter registration, funding and the participation of eligible voters in areas affected by insecurity.

The motion was sponsored by the House Minority Whip, Mansur Soro, and Deputy Minority Leader, Abdulsamad Dasuki.

Lawmakers want INEC to provide details of its continuous voter registration exercise, the production and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, deployment of election technology, recruitment and training of electoral officials, and arrangements for election security.

The committee is also expected to examine the commission’s readiness to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal.

Members further requested information on budgetary allocations, funds released to the commission, outstanding disbursements and the potential impact of funding gaps on the election timetable.

The lawmakers said early scrutiny was necessary to identify operational difficulties before they affect the conduct of the polls.

The sponsors expressed concern that insecurity could prevent eligible voters in some communities from reaching polling units or disrupt election activities. They argued that INEC needed to explain how it intended to address such challenges and protect voters’ participation.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu supported parliamentary oversight of the commission but opposed the proposal for the INEC chairman to address the entire House during plenary. He argued that the matter should be handled by the committee constitutionally responsible for electoral affairs.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas subsequently clarified that the chairman should be invited by the committee, with the date of his appearance publicised so interested lawmakers could attend and ask questions.

The House also wants INEC to discuss lessons from recent governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

The engagement is intended to allow lawmakers to assess preparations, identify weaknesses and seek assurances that electoral operations will be adequately funded and organised.

The 2027 general election is expected to require extensive logistical coordination, including voter registration, personnel deployment, technology readiness and security planning. The committee’s review will provide an opportunity to examine these preparations before election day.