Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, Delta Bye-Elections Offer Vital Lessons for General Election — INEC Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission has described the recent bye-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as important operational exercises ahead of the 2027 general election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the assessment while overseeing operations at the commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.

The commission conducted four legislative bye-elections in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies in Bauchi State, and Udu State Constituency in Delta State.

Amupitan said the elections should not be treated as ordinary or routine contests, stressing that every electoral exercise provides an opportunity for the commission to examine its preparations and improve its processes.

According to him, the four bye-elections offered vital operational lessons that would help INEC systematically prepare for the 2027 general election.

He said the exercises allowed the commission to audit its logistics framework, test the deployment of technology and evaluate the readiness of its administrative structures in the field.

Amupitan said the commission also used the National Situation Room to monitor developments from the various locations and receive operational reports as voting activities progressed.

The INEC chairman said the commission remained committed to electoral integrity and would continue to identify and resolve operational challenges encountered during elections.

He explained that the Situation Room was established to support monitoring and proactive crisis resolution, allowing the commission to respond quickly when administrative or field challenges arise.

Amupitan said some operational bottlenecks identified before polling were promptly addressed, adding that lessons from the exercises would help improve subsequent electoral operations.

He also thanked the technical team and other officials who participated in the monitoring process for ensuring that the multi-state exercise was effectively observed.

The chairman said INEC would continue refining its systems and processes as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.

He stressed that the experience gained from each election would contribute to strengthening logistics, technology, administrative readiness and crisis-management procedures.

INEC’s position comes as political parties and candidates begin preparations for the 2027 general election, with the commission expected to continue using off-cycle elections to test and improve its operational arrangements.