In preparation for the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has characterised Saturday’s bye-elections in the states of Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta as a chance to test its systems and logistics.
Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, the chairman of INEC, stated that the commission would strengthen its preparations for the national polls by applying the lessons learned from the four bye-elections.
Amupitan said on Saturday while keeping an eye on the polls from the commission’s National Situation Room at its Abuja headquarters.
Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State, Udu State Constituency of Delta State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State, and Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State all had elections.
“As we methodically map out our path toward the 2027 General Election, these four bye-elections offer the Commission invaluable operational lessons,” Amupitan stated.
He stated that the exercises would be used by the commission to evaluate its administrative, technological, and logistical readiness.
He contends that because bye-elections offer valuable insights that could improve subsequent elections, the commission should not view them as regular exercises.
Along with National Commissioners and other commission officials, Amupitan personally kept an eye on reports from the various areas.
He claimed that several operational issues found prior to the elections were quickly resolved.
According to the INEC chairman, the National Situation Room is also utilised to keep an eye on events and address issues that can compromise the seamless running of the polls.
“To achieve greater efficiency and build public confidence in future elections, we will continue to improve our processes,” Amupitan declared.