2027 Elections: INEC Deploys New BVAS Storage Facility, Moves Against AI-Generated Fake News

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up its preparations for the 2027 general elections with the commissioning of a dedicated facility for storing and maintaining its election technology equipment in Kogi State.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, inaugurated the facility in Lokoja on Thursday, describing it as part of the commission’s efforts to strengthen election infrastructure and ensure the reliability of technology during the forthcoming polls.

The facility is designed to provide secure and appropriate storage for thousands of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, which are used for biometric voter verification and the transmission of election results.

Amupitan said the commission was addressing critical operational requirements to ensure the effective deployment of technology during the elections.

He disclosed that nine of the 14 major milestones outlined in the commission’s election timetable had been achieved, expressing commitment to completing the remaining preparations within the scheduled timeframe.

The development is particularly significant given previous concerns over the deterioration of BVAS equipment arising from poor storage conditions, inadequate cooling systems and battery failures.

INEC is working towards establishing dedicated storage arrangements across the 36 states to protect the equipment and improve its operational readiness ahead of election day.

Beyond infrastructure development, the INEC chairman has called on traditional rulers to support efforts to prevent electoral violence, increase voter participation and tackle the growing threat of election-related disinformation.

Amupitan made the appeal during a meeting with the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, led by the Attah Igala, Matthew Akpa, and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ahmed Muhammad.

He specifically warned that artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes and coordinated online disinformation campaigns could mislead voters, fuel tensions and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He urged traditional rulers to leverage their influence within their communities to discourage political violence, particularly among young people, and encourage residents to verify election-related information before circulating it.

Describing traditional institutions as important partners in the electoral process, Amupitan stressed the need for community leaders to promote peace and responsible information sharing ahead of the polls.

In response, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland pledged the council’s support for peaceful elections but urged INEC to demonstrate transparency, neutrality and strict adherence to the rule of law.

The chairman also visited the Kogi State collation centre, where he interacted with electoral officials and assessed their level of preparedness.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Shehu Wahab, assured the commission’s leadership of the commitment of personnel to impartiality, declaring zero tolerance for partisan conduct.

Staff representatives, however, emphasised the need for sustained logistical support and improved welfare, noting that adequate working conditions were essential to protecting electoral officials from external political pressure.

INEC’s preparations come amid growing scrutiny of the country’s electoral management system, particularly following concerns over logistical challenges and technological setbacks in previous elections.

With the 2027 general elections scheduled for January 16 and February 6, the commission faces the task of ensuring that its technology, personnel and operational systems are ready to manage an election involving more than 103 million registered voters, according to the report.