The Independent National Electoral Commission has reiterated its readiness to conduct the 2027 General Election, even as amendments to the Electoral Act are yet to be concluded by the National Assembly.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), gave the assurance on Wednesday, February 4, during the Commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations in Abuja.
He said the electoral body had already drawn up its timetable and schedule of activities based on the provisions of the existing law.
According to him, although INEC has forwarded its recommendations to the National Assembly, the eventual passage of the amended Electoral Act could still necessitate adjustments to some parts of the election calendar.
“While we have made our submissions to the National Assembly, the passage of the amendment may have implications for certain items in our timetable.
“However, for now, the Commission has no choice but to operate within the framework of the subsisting Electoral Act,” Amupitan said.
He also appealed to civil society groups to step up voter mobilisation efforts ahead of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, particularly with regard to PVC collection.
“The ongoing PVC distribution in the FCT will end on 10th February 2026, and we do not want anyone to be disenfranchised. As partners, we urge you to help mobilise FCT residents to go out and collect their PVCs,” he said.
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Beyond voter mobilisation, the INEC chairman called on CSOs to help promote peaceful participation and monitor political party activities.
“Let’s work together to monitor the activities of the political parties, especially their campaigns and general conduct in the election.
“Let’s sensitise the public, particularly party members, to refrain from hate speech, vote buying, misinformation, disinformation and violence, and to conduct their activities strictly within the framework of the law,” he added.
Amupitan disclosed that 1,680,315 registered voters would participate in the FCT elections across 2,822 polling units, with 570 candidates vying for chairmanship, vice chairmanship and councillorship positions.
He said INEC had completed the distribution of non sensitive materials, trained ad hoc staff and begun configuring BVAS devices, while sensitive materials would be delivered a day before the election.
He further announced a mock accreditation exercise scheduled for Saturday, February 7, and confirmed that bye elections would also take place the same day in Rivers and Kano states.
Looking ahead to 2027, Amupitan urged lawmakers to fast track the amendment of the Electoral Act and revealed plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise.
“A credible register of voters remains the bedrock of free, fair and transparent elections. Accordingly, the Commission will be embarking on a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election,” he said.