The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the bye-elections conducted on Saturday in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states will help the commission identify areas that need improvement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known while monitoring the elections from the commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.
The bye-elections were conducted in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State, and Udu State Constituency of Delta State.
Amupitan said the commission would study the experience from the four elections and use the findings to strengthen its preparations for the 2027 nationwide polls.
According to him, every election gives INEC an opportunity to examine how well its systems are working and identify areas that require changes or improvement.
He said the commission would assess its logistics, technology and administrative processes based on what happened during the bye-elections.
The INEC chairman also said bye-elections should not be treated as ordinary exercises because they provide practical experience that can help the commission prepare better for larger elections.
While monitoring the polls, Amupitan received updates from different locations alongside National Commissioners and other senior officials of INEC.
He also disclosed that some operational issues identified before the elections were dealt with as they arose.
The National Situation Room at the commission’s headquarters was used to receive reports from the various locations and monitor developments throughout the voting process.
Amupitan said INEC would continue to review and improve its procedures with the aim of making future elections more efficient and strengthening public trust in the electoral process.
The commission’s assessment of the bye-elections is expected to form part of its broader preparations for the 2027 general elections.