INEC Begins Preparations For 2027 Polls, Announces Staff Training Under New Electoral Act

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that some sensitive election materials for the 2027 general elections have started arriving as the commission intensifies preparations for the polls.

According to Bush Radio Academy, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure on Monday during an interactive meeting with commission staff and a readiness assessment visit to Enugu State.

During the engagement, Amupitan outlined several measures being undertaken to prepare for the elections, including the procurement of election materials and vehicles, upgrading facilities, training personnel and strengthening logistical arrangements.

In a statement issued by the commission, INEC explained that the Enugu visit represented the South-East phase of its nationwide physical assessment tour. The exercise followed similar visits to states in the South-West, North-Central and North-West geopolitical zones.

Addressing staff, Amupitan described the 2027 general elections as more than another event on the electoral calendar, saying the polls would serve as a significant test of the commission’s preparedness and capacity to deliver credible elections.

He disclosed that training programmes for electoral personnel would commence soon to familiarise them with their responsibilities, particularly in light of changes introduced by the new Electoral Act and INEC’s guidelines and regulations for the 2027 elections.

The INEC chairman added that the commission was developing training materials that staff could access beyond physical training sessions. He also said selected personnel would be trained to serve as instructors for other election workers.

Amupitan urged INEC officials to uphold strict political neutrality before, during and after the elections, stressing that commission personnel must not be perceived as supporting any political party or candidate.

He emphasised that professionalism, accountability and effective management of election results were essential to strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The chairman further warned that INEC would not tolerate misconduct or actions capable of compromising the credibility and integrity of the 2027 elections.

The assessment visit forms part of the commission’s broader efforts to evaluate its level of preparedness, identify operational gaps and ensure that personnel, facilities and logistics are adequately positioned ahead of the next general elections.