INEC is plotting a practice run and it could make or break Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
The electoral body is considering a mock presidential election and a comprehensive tech audit to test systems before the real deal, Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan revealed Thursday during a visit from British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery.
The move comes straight from the scars of 2023 when technology failures, particularly around the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), sparked widespread controversy and legal battles.
What’s on the table:
· Mock presidential poll to stress-test processes and technology
· Full audit of all electoral systems ahead of 2027
· Cybersecurity overhaul including redundancy, penetration testing, and disaster recovery
Amupitan admitted these exercises weren’t budgeted for—but hinted INEC would find a way if it means avoiding another credibility crisis.
The UK, which has been monitoring INEC’s off-cycle elections in Ekiti, FCT, and Anambra, pledged continued support. Outgoing High Commissioner Montgomery assured the commission that his successor would sustain the partnership.
With 2027 looming, Nigerians are watching: Will INEC finally get it right—or will this be another dry run with wet results?
