The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will adjust the electoral calendar and release a revised timetable for the 2027 general election to align with the provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). According to the Chairman, the initial Notice of Election for 2027, issued on 13th February 2026, was done so under the previous legal framework and must now be updated.
“I must not fail to inform you that we now have a new Electoral Act, 2026,” Amupitan stated. “The Notice was issued under the old law. With the introduction of the new Electoral Act, we have to make some adjustments and issue a revised timetable for the 2027 general election.”
Addressing Logistical Hurdles
Beyond the legal adjustments, the INEC Chairman used the forum to address critical logistical failures observed during recent off-cycle elections, particularly the FCT Area Council poll. He revealed that the Commission’s Election Operations Dashboard painted a concerning picture of punctuality, showing that only 45 per cent of polling units in the FCT had opened by 8:30 am.
To combat this, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive review of its transport logistics model. Prof. Amupitan disclosed that disciplinary measures are already being taken against those responsible for the delays. He confirmed that specific INEC staff in Kuje Area Council and Kabusa Ward have been identified and will be issued queries. Furthermore, the transporter responsible for delays in Kwali Area Council will be blacklisted from future Commission engagements.
Clearing the Air on ‘Voter Migration’ and Results
The Chairman also addressed public concerns regarding so-called ‘voter migration’ in the FCT. He clarified that no voter transfers occurred in 2026, explaining that the changes stem from a 2022 exercise that decongested overcrowded polling units. In the FCT alone, approximately 580,000 voters were redistributed from 411 units to 1,156 less congested ones. To assist affected voters, Amupitan has directed that fresh text message reminders be sent to them ahead of future elections.
On the integrity of results, Prof. Amupitan addressed a viral report from the Kuroko Health Centre polling unit in Kwali, which allegedly recorded 1,219 votes for a party despite having only 345 registered voters. He clarified that an internal investigation revealed the discrepancy was due to a transparent correction made by the Presiding Officer, who adjusted a tally from 122 to 121 in the open, and not a case of manipulation. He used the incident to highlight new BVAS safeguards, including internal validation checks that prevent over-voting and flag mathematical inconsistencies, which have already been tested successfully in recent polls.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the looming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States serving as further tests of its readiness, Prof. Amupitan warned that the Commission would no longer tolerate indiscipline. He stated that absenteeism and dereliction of duty, particularly at local government offices, would be met with sanctions.
“The credibility of the Commission is built not on declarations, but on performance,” Amupitan said. “Each polling unit that opens late erodes trust, while each staff member who neglects duty diminishes our collective reputation.”
He concluded by noting that the Commission will soon embark on a thorough clean-up of the voter register to further strengthen its integrity ahead of the 2027 general election, for which a revised timetable will be issued in due course.
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