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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the legislative bye-elections held in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as crucial operational tests ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated this on Saturday while personally monitoring the elections from the Commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.
The Commission conducted legislative bye-elections in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State, and Udu State Constituency of Delta State.
Amupitan said the Commission would use the experience from the polls to assess its logistics, technology and administrative preparedness for the nationwide elections.
“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” he said.
He urged the Commission not to regard bye-elections as routine exercises, stressing that every poll provided an opportunity to examine the systems that would be deployed during the 2027 election.
“We must resist the temptation to view any exercise as merely an ordinary bye-election. Every election is a critical component of our broader preparations for the 2027 General Election, allowing us to continuously audit our logistics framework, stress-test our technological deployment, and evaluate administrative field readiness,” he said.
The INEC chairman, alongside National Commissioners and senior management officials, monitored reports from the various states as voting progressed.
Amupitan said the Commission had identified and addressed operational challenges that emerged before the elections, describing monitoring and early intervention as key responsibilities of the Situation Room.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution,” he said.
“Whatever administrative or field challenges arose before the day of the elections, the Commission was able to nip them in the bud effectively. We remain committed to refining our processes so that every subsequent exercise reflects higher standards of efficiency and public confidence.”
Amupitan also commended officials in the Situation Room, particularly the technical team, for monitoring the multi-state elections and assessing field performance as the Commission continues preparations for the 2027 General Election.
