INEC Considers Mock Presidential Poll Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission is considering holding a mock presidential election and carrying out a full audit of its election technology before the 2027 general election as part of efforts to improve the credibility of the electoral process.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters.

Amupitan said the commission is reviewing several measures aimed at strengthening its election systems ahead of the next general election. According to him, the proposals are based on lessons from the 2023 elections, especially concerns raised about the performance and reliability of election technology during the polls.

He explained that INEC is looking at the possibility of conducting a complete audit of all its technology systems before the 2027 elections. The commission is also considering organising a mock presidential election to test the readiness of its technology, procedures and operational processes before Nigerians go to the polls.

The INEC chairman noted that although the proposed activities were not included in the commission’s approved budget, the electoral body would consider ways to fund and implement them because of their importance in improving confidence in the election process.

He added that the planned review forms part of wider efforts by the commission to strengthen the use of technology during elections. These efforts include the continued deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), both of which played key roles during previous elections.

Amupitan also disclosed that the commission is reviewing its cyber security framework to improve the protection of its digital systems. He said the review covers areas such as system backup, penetration testing, disaster recovery plans and other measures designed to reduce the risk of technical failures or cyber attacks during elections.

During the meeting, British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery said the United Kingdom has been closely monitoring INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general election. He noted that the UK had also followed the commission’s conduct of recent off-cycle elections in Ekiti, the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra, as well as preparations for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

Montgomery, who said he would complete his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria within the next six weeks, assured INEC of the United Kingdom’s continued support. He expressed confidence that his successor would maintain the existing partnership with the electoral commission as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.