INEC Vows No Recurrence Of Transmission “Glitch” In 2027 Polls

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that the technical challenges that undermined result transmission in past elections will not recur, as the Commission steps up preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Professor Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman, gave the assurance at a Citizens’ Townhall on the 2026 Electoral Act held in Abuja on Sunday.

Amupitan said the Commission was committed to strengthening its result management system and ensuring that electronic transmission of results is credible and dependable nationwide.

He described the notorious “glitch” that dogged the 2023 general elections as a thing of the past, declaring:

“The glitch, by God’s grace, will not suffice in Nigeria.”

The INEC boss emphasized that the Commission has the capacity to transmit results electronically, but noted that the expectation of “real‑time” transmission remains challenging in areas with poor network coverage.

He cited the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where results were transmitted successfully in most wards, but acknowledged delays in Kabi ward of Kuje Area Council due to difficult terrain and weak connectivity that affected communication links.

Amupitan explained that security personnel deployed to the ward temporarily lost communication access, but clarified that the delay was not due to system failure but network inadequacy, and that results were eventually uploaded and processed in line with legal requirements.

Speaking on lessons learned from the 2023 polls, he said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS), hitherto tested in off‑cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun, showed potential but requires more robust stress‑testing when deployed at national scale.

He said INEC was working toward comprehensive nationwide simulations before deploying systems in the 2027 elections to forestall interstate transmission hiccups and build public confidence.

Amupitan also stressed that logistics remain central to credible elections, outlining four benchmarks for assessing election success: beginning on schedule, maintaining peace, effective results management, and transparent declaration of outcomes.

According to him, logistical lapses in previous exercises highlighted the need to address both human and operational gaps to enhance election credibility.

The INEC Chairman further underscored the importance of civic education and collaboration with civil society organizations to deepen public understanding of the new Electoral Act, which he said was the outcome of extensive consultations involving the National Assembly, civil society and electoral stakeholders over two years.

He warned that voter ignorance could weaken democratic processes and stressed the need for heightened public awareness of the provisions and implications of the 2026 Electoral Act.

When asked whether Nigerians should expect the best election in the nation’s history in 2027, Amupitan expressed confidence in ongoing reforms and growing voter consciousness.

“By the grace of God, the election of 2027 will be the best election that Nigerians will have,” he said, adding that an informed electorate demanding transparency and accountability will strengthen democratic governance and national development.