INEC Finalises 2027 Election Timetable, Awaits Parliament’s Move On Key Law

Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed it has completed the timetable for the 2027 General Election, positioning itself for a credible poll despite pending amendments to the Electoral Act in the National Assembly.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

He revealed the commission has already submitted its recommendations on the proposed Electoral Act amendments to lawmakers and is now awaiting parliamentary action. Professor Amupitan noted that the schedule of certain electoral activities might be shaped by the timing of the new law’s passage.

“Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 empowers the Commission to issue a notice of election not later than 360 days before the date of the poll,” he stated. “While the National Assembly is currently working on amendments… the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election has been finalised in full compliance with the Constitution… and the Electoral Act, 2022.”

He appealed for support in urging the National Assembly to expedite its work on the amendments, reaffirming that INEC remains committed to a transparent process and will operate within the existing legal framework until any new law is enacted.

Nationwide Voter Revalidation Planned

Shifting focus to electoral integrity, Professor Amupitan emphasised that a credible voter register is fundamental. He acknowledged persistent public concerns about anomalies such as duplicate registrations and deceased voters remaining on the roll, which currently stands at 93,469,008.

In response, he announced a major initiative: “The Commission will be embarking on a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election.” This exercise aims to thoroughly sanitise and strengthen the register’s integrity.

Update on Forthcoming FCT Area Council Elections

Regarding the imminent Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory scheduled for 21st February, the Chairman provided a detailed update on preparations. He confirmed non-sensitive materials have been delivered and batched, recruitment of ad hoc staff is complete, and their training is underway.

“BVAS devices are being configured for accreditation and upload of results to the IReV portal,” he added. “Sensitive materials will be delivered a day before the election.”

A mock accreditation exercise will be held on Saturday, 7th February, in 289 selected Polling Units across the six Area Councils, with the locations published on INEC’s website. The commission has accredited 83 domestic and five foreign observers for the polls and has implemented targeted programmes to support voters with disabilities.