The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has introduced new technical safeguards designed to prevent inaccurate election results and figures indicating over-voting from being uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) during the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed the measures during a high-level electoral dialogue at Chatham House in London, organised in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
The discussion, held under the theme *Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot*, focused on electoral credibility, institutional reforms and the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to a statement issued by the chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan said the commission had strengthened its result-validation processes following concerns raised by the 2023 general elections.
He acknowledged that the controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election significantly weakened public confidence in INEC, admitting that the commission was yet to fully overcome the resulting trust deficit.
INEC targets weaknesses in election result management
Amupitan said the commission’s assessment of previous elections identified collation centres as a major source of discrepancies in election result management.
He explained that INEC had therefore developed technical controls intended to detect and reject inaccurate figures before they reach the public-facing IReV platform.
Under the proposed arrangement, results containing inconsistencies at the polling-unit level would be prevented from being uploaded to the portal.
The chairman maintained that the safeguards would improve the reliability of information available to voters, observers and other stakeholders monitoring the electoral process.
He said INEC had also treated subsequent off-cycle elections as opportunities to identify operational weaknesses and improve voter accreditation, ballot administration and result management.
Amupitan cites improvements in recent elections
Defending the commission’s preparations for 2027, the INEC chairman pointed to recent governorship elections in Ekiti, Anambra and Osun, as well as Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections and 16 legislative bye-elections.
He described the recent electoral exercises as evidence of operational improvements, particularly in the speed of result management.
Amupitan recalled that the 2021 Anambra governorship election took several days to conclude, while subsequent administrative adjustments had helped the commission declare results more quickly in later elections.
He urged Nigerians to assess the commission’s performance through measurable improvements rather than relying solely on the controversies of previous electoral exercises.
BVAS upgrades and improved storage facilities
The commission is also addressing technical challenges experienced with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), particularly equipment malfunctions associated with extreme temperatures and poor storage conditions during the 2023 elections.
Amupitan disclosed that INEC was establishing climate-controlled storage facilities across the states to protect its electoral equipment.
The commission has also procured additional BVAS devices and reduced the maximum number of registered voters assigned to a single machine from 1,250 to 850.
Under the revised arrangement, polling units with more than 850 registered voters will receive multiple devices to reduce pressure on the equipment and improve accreditation efficiency.
Nationwide mock election scheduled for November 28
As part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, Amupitan announced that INEC had scheduled a nationwide mock accreditation and voting exercise for November 28, 2026.
The exercise is expected to simulate aspects of the presidential election and test the commission’s accreditation procedures and electronic transmission of results.
The chairman said the exercise would provide an opportunity to assess the upgraded technology and identify operational problems requiring attention before the general elections.
INEC awaits outstanding election funds
On election financing, Amupitan confirmed that the commission had received a substantial portion of its 2027 election budget but was still awaiting the release of the remaining funds.
He said assurances had been given that the outstanding amount would be made available before the end of November.
Part of the funding is expected to support the recruitment and welfare of temporary electoral personnel who will assist with the conduct of the elections.
INEC chairman responds to questions about neutrality
The INEC chairman also addressed allegations circulating on social media concerning an X account reportedly linked to his telephone number.
Amupitan denied operating an X account and disclosed that an independent forensic assessment had been obtained. He said the matter had been referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police for investigation.
He also rejected suggestions that his previous professional involvement in political disputes as a lawyer could affect his neutrality as electoral umpire.
Amupitan stressed that his responsibility as INEC chairman was governed by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, adding that his loyalty was to the country’s constitutional order.
Voters urged to reject misinformation
The chairman also addressed concerns about alleged irregularities in the voter register, including claims of a significant increase in registered voters in a ward in Ebonyi State.
He said the commission had investigated the complaint and addressed it through the procedures provided by electoral law.
Amupitan encouraged Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate actively in the electoral process while remaining cautious about misleading information circulated online.
He warned that misinformation could undermine public confidence and create unnecessary tension during elections.
With preparations for the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, INEC says its priorities remain improving security, addressing logistical challenges and strengthening result management to deliver credible elections.
