The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering conducting a mock presidential election and carrying out a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.
According to Tribune Online, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan disclosed the proposal on Thursday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Amupitan said the proposed measures were prompted by lessons from the 2023 general election, particularly concerns over the reliability of election technology.
He explained that the Commission is considering a full audit of its electoral systems alongside a mock presidential election to test the readiness of its processes and technology before Nigerians head to the polls in 2027.
The INEC chairman said the planned exercise would simulate the nationwide scale of a presidential election, allowing the Commission to identify and address possible weaknesses in logistics, result management and technology deployment ahead of the polls.
Amupitan also reiterated the Commission’s commitment to improving electoral processes, saying INEC would continue strengthening logistics and technological infrastructure to deliver more credible elections.
The proposed mock election follows continued efforts by the electoral body to restore public confidence after technical challenges experienced during the 2023 presidential election, particularly with the electronic transmission of results.
