By Peter Adelowo
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, says the commission has the capacity to electronically transmit results in the 2027 general elections but cannot guarantee a completely flawless process.
Speaking at a public policy forum moderated by media personality Seun Okinbaloye and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, the INEC Chairman urged Nigerians to maintain realistic expectations.
He stressed that while the commission is committed to credible elections, operational and environmental challenges make absolute perfection difficult.
Prof. Amupitan clarified that the debate around electronic transmission after the 2023 general elections centred largely on defining “real-time” transmission rather than INEC’s technical capacity.
He explained that the commission advocated for mandatory electronic transmission during consultations that shaped the Electoral Act 2026.
Citing the recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, he explained that although most results were uploaded promptly, logistical and communication challenges in a ward in Kuje delayed transmission, requiring additional deployment to secure personnel and retrieve results.
Describing elections as the foundation of democracy, the INEC Chairman emphasised voter education, institutional transparency and collaboration with civil society as critical safeguards.
He noted that INEC worked closely with the National Assembly and stakeholders in reviewing the Electoral Act 2026 to strengthen the legal framework ahead of 2027.
