Prosper Okoye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to credible elections as the country gears up for the 2027 polls, while political parties begin nationwide digital membership drives under the new Electoral Act 2026.
INEC Chairman Amupitan acknowledged that while a fully perfect election may not be achievable, the commission is equipped for electronic transmission of results.
He cited challenges in reaching remote areas, highlighting delays in Kabi ward, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during recent local elections.
“Voter education, logistics, and institutional transparency are critical to sustaining public confidence in our electoral process,” he said.
Amupitan expressed optimism that increased voter awareness and demand for accountability would enhance the credibility of the 2027 elections.
To strengthen oversight and compliance, INEC has commenced a review of political party regulations and guidelines. The technical workshop involves commissioners, directors, legal experts, and institutional stakeholders, with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
Reforms focus on financial accountability, dispute prevention, accurate membership documentation, and inclusivity for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
In line with the new law, major parties are now updating membership registers. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) launched a three-week nationwide digital registration on March 2, covering all wards across Nigeria and the FCT. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is conducting online registration alongside manual registration, while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has indicated it may reopen its e-registration portal this week to accommodate more members.
Party officials said these measures are essential to ensure that only verified members can vote or stand in primaries.
The Electoral Act 2026 also prompted INEC to adjust the election timetable, moving the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to February 6, 2027, following consultations to avoid overlap with the 2027 Ramadan period.
Amupitan said the reforms are part of a broader effort to address operational challenges experienced in previous elections. He cited recent local elections in the FCT, where delayed results in hard-to-reach areas highlighted logistical gaps, but said these were being systematically addressed to improve real-time result transmission in the future.
“This is a period of transition. By ensuring that political parties operate transparently and comply with the law, and by updating membership registers digitally, we are laying the foundation for credible elections that Nigerians can trust,” he said.
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With digital registration now underway and INEC’s regulatory reforms in motion, Nigeria is moving toward a more transparent electoral process, officials say, reflecting growing public demand for accountability and robust democratic governance.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
