Ekiti, Osun Polls Critical Dress Rehearsal for 2027 Elections — INEC Chair Warns

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states as a decisive test run ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Amupitan made the assertion during a strategic engagement with electoral officials, stressing that the off-cycle polls would play a pivotal role in assessing the commission’s preparedness and operational efficiency.

According to him, the elections will serve as “important testing grounds” for improving critical components of the electoral process, including voter registration, logistics, and the deployment of technology.

He noted that INEC must first successfully conduct these elections before shifting full focus to the 2027 polls, which he described as the commission’s ultimate objective.

“These elections will serve as important testing grounds for refining voter registry management, election logistics and the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System,” Amupitan said.

The INEC chairman reiterated the commission’s commitment to delivering credible elections, anchored on transparency, inclusiveness, and adherence to the rule of law. He emphasized that strengthening institutional capacity and internal coordination remains key to meeting growing public expectations.

Amupitan further highlighted that early planning and strategic alignment would be crucial in ensuring the success of future electoral exercises, particularly the high-stakes 2027 general elections.

He also underscored the need for discipline and professionalism among electoral officials, warning that lapses capable of undermining the integrity of the process would not be tolerated.

The Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, scheduled for 2026, are widely seen as a barometer for public confidence in INEC’s reforms and its readiness to deliver credible national elections.