INEC says it is on track for 2027, flags training and insecurity gaps in south-east
- INEC chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan says the commission is on track for the 2027 general elections.
- He spoke in Enugu at a readiness assessment with staff from the five south-east states.
- Officials listed staff retraining and isolated insecurity as challenges ahead of the polls.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is on course for the 2027 general elections, with its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), telling staff in Enugu on Tuesday that most of the commission's preparation checklist has been cleared.
Amupitan said non-sensitive materials have been readied and distributed, while contracts for sensitive materials are being awarded. He also said INEC is adding vehicles for moving personnel and materials, has upgraded its ICT systems and tightened security around them.
"We are on track and moving ahead with most of the checklist," he said at the Readiness Assessment for 2027 General Elections, according to Daily Trust.
For ordinary Nigerians, the message is about whether their votes will count and whether polling units will open on time with materials and officials in place. Training of ad hoc staff and the movement of materials are the parts of the process voters feel most directly on election day.
What officials flagged
The Enugu Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, set out the size of the job in his state alone: 17 local government areas, 260 registration areas and 4,145 polling units. He said running polls across that structure needs enough staff, logistics, technology, infrastructure and security, plus steady engagement with communities.
According to Independent, the south-east states identified two main challenges: the need for adequate training and retraining of staff, and some isolated cases of insecurity.
Amupitan said massive training has begun, focused on new guidelines and regulations in the amended Electoral Act. He added that INEC has set up committees drawing on government agencies and other bodies to provide specialised support.
Representatives of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo presented their states' readiness and challenges at the session.
What happens next
INEC says it will keep awarding contracts for sensitive materials and expanding logistics and training. The commission has not given a date for the 2027 elections; the timetable is expected to be published closer to the polls, in line with the law.
