The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering conducting a mock presidential election and a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology as part of efforts to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed the proposal in Abuja while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters.
Amupitan said the proposed initiatives were informed by concerns raised following the 2023 general elections, particularly over the reliability and performance of election technology. According to him, the commission is considering organising a mock presidential election to test the readiness of its electoral processes and technological infrastructure ahead of the 2027 polls.
He added that INEC was also proposing a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology to identify and address any vulnerabilities before the next general election. Although the initiatives were not included in the commission’s current budget, Amupitan said INEC would explore ways of implementing them because of their importance in enhancing the credibility of future elections.
He said the measures formed part of broader efforts to strengthen the commission’s technological systems, including the continued deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. Amupitan also disclosed that the commission was reviewing its cybersecurity architecture, with particular emphasis on system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery mechanisms.
He said public confidence in elections depended largely on the reliability of INEC’s technology and operational processes, adding that the commission was committed to addressing shortcomings identified during previous elections.
The INEC chairman identified election technology and cybersecurity as key areas of collaboration with the United Kingdom, noting that the commission had continued to benefit from technical support from the UK and other development partners, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections, stressing that safeguarding electoral integrity required the cooperation of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens.
Earlier, British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery said the United Kingdom had been closely monitoring INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, including recent off-cycle elections in Ekiti, the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra, as well as preparations for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Montgomery said the UK’s engagement in Nigeria’s electoral process was part of the strategic partnership between both countries, formalised in 2024 and further strengthened during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom in March.
The envoy, who is expected to conclude his tenure in about six weeks, assured INEC of the UK’s continued support under his successor as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
