The House of Representatives has directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, to appear before its Committee on Electoral Matters to explain the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The decision followed concerns raised by lawmakers over reported challenges with voter registration, election logistics, technology deployment and funding ahead of the polls.
The issue came up during plenary on Wednesday, October 28, following a motion jointly sponsored by Mansur Soro (APM, Bauchi) and Abdussamad Dasuki (ADC, Sokoto).
Presenting the motion, Soro warned that INEC’s ability to deliver credible and peaceful elections would depend on how effectively it addressed operational challenges and implemented its electoral timetable.
He drew attention to complaints from some Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centres, including shortages of registration equipment and personnel, network disruptions and long queues.
According to the lawmaker, these difficulties could discourage or prevent eligible Nigerians from registering, particularly young and first-time voters, people living in rural communities, persons with disabilities, students and workers.
Soro also urged the commission to draw lessons from the recently concluded Ekiti governorship election, particularly in the areas of technology, logistics, security arrangements, stakeholder engagement and voter participation.
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He stressed that preparations should begin early to allow sufficient time for procuring election materials, training personnel, educating voters, deploying technology and assessing security risks across the country.
“Any delay in addressing existing operational gaps in voter registration, logistics, technology deployment and funding may adversely affect public confidence in the electoral process and compromise the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general election,” he said.
The lawmakers initially proposed that Amupitan brief the House within seven days on the commission’s readiness, including the progress of voter registration, production and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), election technology, logistics and arrangements for difficult-to-reach areas.
The proposed briefing was also expected to address the recruitment and training of election personnel, budgetary allocations, funds released to INEC, outstanding payments and the consequences of any funding shortfalls.
However, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu rejected the suggestion that the INEC chairman should address the entire House during plenary.
He proposed that Amupitan instead appear before the Committee on Electoral Matters, while allowing other interested lawmakers to attend.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the proposal to a voice vote, and lawmakers adopted it.
The committee session is expected to provide legislators with an opportunity to examine INEC’s preparations and seek clarification on issues that could affect the conduct of the 2027 elections.