E-Transmission: INEC to Conduct Mock Presidential Election Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a mock presidential election ahead of the 2027 general polls.  ex

This exercise is aimed at testing its electronic transmission system and restoring public confidence in election technology.

The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja.

He said the commission would simulate a presidential poll to examine the performance of its digital platforms before the real election.

INEC also released the official timetable for the 2027 elections. According to the commission, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027. Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.

The chairman said the mock exercise would focus on the electronic transmission of results using the BVAS and the Result Viewing Portal.

He noted that past technical failures damaged public trust and must not be repeated.

“I am committed to even having a mock presidential election. You see, the delicate thing about technology is if a technology is designed without being properly tested. We don’t have issues with transmission to IREV in respect of the elections. We are doing everything possible to make sure that we test whatever we have. I did not say that technology will not be used,” he said.

He stressed that the commission would not abandon electronic transmission despite debates at the National Assembly.

“No matter how it ends, we already have our policies. I think that we should ensure that the results are transmitted,” he added.

With the publication of the Notice of Election, INEC warned political parties to begin preparations in line with the law. The commission said party primaries must follow due process and approved timelines.

The chairman urged political parties to avoid violence and conduct transparent internal processes.

“Political parties are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the timelines. The Commission will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law. I call on political parties to conduct peaceful and credible primaries, to shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and to uphold internal democracy,” he cautioned.

INEC also addressed concerns over the rising cost of elections. The chairman explained that each polling unit requires four officials and that close to 450,000 ad-hoc staff would need training nationwide. He said inflation and foreign exchange pressures have significantly increased operational expenses.

He dismissed claims that the 2027 elections would cost N1 trillion.

The INEC chairman further denied reports that the commission planned to build hospitals with election funds. He said he was misquoted in earlier media reports.

“I was misquoted when they said I said I was going to build a hospital. It was not in my budget. There was a question as to why we are buying drugs. They asked if we have hospitals. I said, ‘Look, we have clinics and that those drugs were meant for our existing clinics. And a senator said, ‘Why are you building hospitals?’ Nobody ever said we were going to build hospitals. We never said we want to build hospitals,” he said.

He explained that the election dates were fixed in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. The law requires INEC to issue a Notice of Election at least 360 days before polling day.

He also clarified that Anambra, Bayelsa, and Edo states would continue with off-cycle elections because of court rulings on their tenures.

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