Morganable Politics/Elections
The INEC official highlighted the commission’s gradual improvements in election management, citing the transition from the use of Smart Card Readers to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), as well as the introduction of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) for real-time transmission of results
kaNo —
The Independent National Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2027, pledging to strengthen transparency measures and deploy improved technology to ensure that every vote counts.
The assurance was given on Wednesday in Abuja by the Assistant Director of Voter Education and Planning at INEC, Magdalyn Aku, at the 2026 Democracy Roundtable organised by the News Agency of Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
The event, themed “Making Nigerians’ Vote Count in 2027: The Role of INEC,” brought together electoral officials, journalists, civil society groups and legal experts to deliberate on strategies for credible elections.
“For INEC, making your vote count is not just a slogan; it is the bedrock of our democracy, and we always try to ensure that we put in the right processes and the right tools to ensure that every individual’s vote counts,” she said.
INEC Pledges Neutrality
She emphasised the commission’s neutrality, noting that INEC’s primary focus is safeguarding the rights of voters rather than influencing electoral outcomes.
“Our focus is on the Nigerian voter. We do not care about the person who wins or loses the election; it is on the Nigerian voter, and that’s why we’re always placing premium on the voter to recognise the fact that you are the kingmaker,” Aku added.
The INEC official highlighted the commission’s gradual improvements in election management, citing the transition from the use of Smart Card Readers to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), as well as the introduction of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) for real-time transmission of results.
According to her, election results are first displayed at polling units before being uploaded electronically to IReV, a process designed to enhance transparency and build public confidence in the electoral system.
She urged Nigerians to resist vote-buying and recognise the power of their votes in shaping governance.
“If your vote doesn’t matter, why does somebody want to buy it? And why do you want to sell your vote?” she asked.
“Your vote is your voice. Do not sit on the fence. INEC has put all the systems in place. All of us, it’s an all-hands-on-deck thing. All of us must work together to ensure that the systems put in place work effectively.”
Credible Polls Require Collective Efforts
In her remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ Federal Capital Territory Council, Grace Ike, said credible elections require the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organisations, security agencies and voters.
“Credibility is not the burden of INEC alone. Journalists, media organisations, civil society, security agencies and the electorate must all play clear, accountable roles to ensure that every citizen’s vote matters,” she said.
Ike also charged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in election reporting.
“If journalists see something, they should write something,” she added.
A legal practitioner, Frank Tietie, underscored the importance of INEC’s independence, warning against undue interference in the electoral process.
“INEC must maintain its independence. Outcomes of elections should be determined at the polling units and not in courtrooms,” he said.
Similarly, the Regional Advocacy Officer of the West Africa Democracy Network, Austin Aigbe, called for greater emphasis on the effective use of the BVAS technology to improve election credibility.
“There must be emphasis on the use of BVAS,” he said, while endorsing plans to establish an Election Situation Room to monitor the polls.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NAN NUJ Chapel, Collins Yakubu-Hammer, said INEC must sustain efforts toward conducting transparent and inclusive elections, while urging political parties, security agencies and citizens to play their roles in safeguarding the process.
The initiative is expected to track electoral developments, verify information, support journalists in the field, and coordinate rapid responses to threats against voters and media personnel.
INEC Dismisses Rumors of Revised Election Timetable
Meanwhile, INEC has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that it had revised the campaign timetable for the 2027 general elections.
A viral graphic had suggested that the commission altered key dates, including shifting the end of campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections from January 14 to January 15, 2027, and adjusting the governorship and state assembly campaign deadline from February 4 to February 5, 2027.
The graphic, however, retained January 16, 2027, as the date for presidential and National Assembly elections, and February 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls.
Reacting to the claims, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, described the information as false and misleading.
“This graphic did not emanate from INEC. The commission does not issue campaign timetables separately. All official campaign timelines are already contained within the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, which was released on February 26, 2026,” he said.
Oketola urged the media and the public to verify electoral information through INEC’s official communication channels, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
“We advise the media and the public to always verify electoral information through our official channels. As we enter the election season, we must all remain vigilant against the spread of misinformation and disinformation,” he added.
INEC had, on February 26, 2026, released the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.
According to the timetable, presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The timetable also indicates that campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.
The notice of election is scheduled to be issued on February 13, 2026.
As preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum, stakeholders at the roundtable stressed the need for sustained collaboration, improved voter education and strict adherence to electoral guidelines to ensure credible outcomes.
They noted that while INEC has made significant progress in deploying technology and enhancing transparency, the success of the elections ultimately depends on the collective responsibility of institutions and citizens alike.
