The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering conducting a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems and organising a mock presidential election as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, the proposals are being considered following concerns raised after the 2023 general election, particularly regarding the reliability of electoral technology.
He explained that the commission is exploring the possibility of carrying out a full audit of all its electoral technology systems before the next general election, while also staging a nationwide mock presidential poll to assess the readiness of its technological infrastructure and operational procedures.
The INEC chairman noted that although the initiatives are not currently captured in the commission’s budget, they may become necessary investments aimed at enhancing the credibility of the 2027 elections.
Amupitan said the proposals form part of INEC’s broader efforts to improve technological reliability through the continued use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). He added that the commission is also reviewing its cyber-security framework, including system redundancy measures, penetration testing and disaster recovery mechanisms.
He stressed that public confidence in the electoral process largely depends on the integrity and reliability of the commission’s technology and operational systems.
Amupitan further identified election technology and cyber-security as important areas of collaboration between INEC and the United Kingdom, noting that the commission has continued to receive technical support from the UK government and development partners, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to credible elections, he stated that INEC remains determined to conduct transparent elections that reflect the wishes of Nigerians.
According to him, ensuring electoral integrity requires the collective efforts of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens.
Earlier, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development, stressing that the UK has a strong interest in the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Montgomery, who was accompanied by Governance Adviser, Dr. Matthew Ayibakuro, and Political Counsellor, Greta Morris, said the visit was intended to gain a clearer understanding of INEC’s preparations for upcoming elections, including the Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general polls.
“We have a very strong interest and investment in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Montgomery said.
“I hope you will take our interest in your democratic process as a sign of support, both moral and, in a small way, some practical support that we have been discussing with you in the run-up to 2027.”
The envoy noted that discussions surrounding Nigeria’s electoral future featured prominently during the recently concluded National Assembly Open Week, where stakeholders examined constitutional reforms and governance issues.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance in the UK’s engagement with Africa under the bilateral partnership signed by both countries, which covers areas such as security, defence, migration, justice and governance.
“We would like to regard ourselves as partners in your democratic journey,” he added.
Montgomery disclosed that the UK government has been closely monitoring INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, including recent off-cycle elections in Ekiti, the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra, as well as preparations for the Osun governorship election.
He described Britain’s engagement as both moral and practical support, referencing the strategic partnership agreement signed by Nigeria and the United Kingdom in 2024 and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK in March.
The High Commissioner, who is expected to complete his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria within the next six weeks, expressed confidence that his successor would maintain the strong working relationship with INEC and further strengthen cooperation as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
The proposed technology audit and mock presidential election come as INEC continues to review lessons from the 2023 general election, with increasing focus on improving technological resilience, enhancing transparency and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the next nationwide polls.
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