INEC Says Sensitive Materials for 2027 Elections Already Arriving as Commission Begins Nationwide Readiness Assessment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that sensitive materials for the 2027 general elections have started arriving, even as the commission intensifies preparations across the country.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure during an interactive meeting with staff and a readiness assessment visit to Enugu State, marking the South-East leg of the commission’s nationwide physical assessment tour following similar exercises in the South-West, North-Central and North-West zones.

Amupitan outlined the commission’s preparations to include the procurement of election materials and vehicles, facility upgrades, staff training and measures to strengthen election logistics.

He said the 2027 election was more than another date on the electoral calendar, describing it as a critical test of the commission’s preparedness.

According to the INEC chairman, training programmes would soon commence to prepare personnel for their responsibilities, particularly in view of changes introduced by the new Electoral Act and the commission’s guidelines and regulations for the 2027 elections.

Amupitan said INEC was developing training materials that staff could access beyond face-to-face sessions, while selected personnel would serve as trainers for other election workers.

He charged staff to maintain strict neutrality before, during and after the elections, warning that INEC personnel must not be seen to support any political party.

“We expect absolute neutrality,” Amupitan said, stressing that professionalism, accountability and effective result management were essential to rebuilding public confidence in the electoral process.

He also warned that the commission would not tolerate misconduct capable of undermining the integrity of the polls.

The preparations come as INEC targets simultaneous voting across all polling units nationwide in 2027, with Amupitan stating that logistics and technology must improve to enable Nigerians to vote without unnecessary delays.

The commission has acquired 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices, with the machines undergoing software hardening, battery optimisation and biometric calibration ahead of the polls.

Amupitan also said INEC had introduced printable Permanent Voter Cards in line with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, describing the technology as one intended to eliminate unnecessary delays in obtaining voter cards.

He said the commission was now 101 days away from the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, with the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6.

According to the revised timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

The commission had earlier fixed February 20 and March 6, 2027, for the elections but reviewed the schedule following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines.

Despite the progress, the commission faces scrutiny from opposition figures. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged INEC to disclose the companies contracted to produce sensitive materials for the 2027 elections, warning that secrecy surrounding ballot printing could undermine public confidence.

Atiku also raised concerns over recent personnel changes within the commission, particularly in departments responsible for election administration and technology, demanding that INEC explain the circumstances and demonstrate that the decisions were based on merit and free from political interference.