The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned that delays in amending the Electoral Act could disrupt parts of the timetable for the 2027 general elections, while assuring Nigerians of its readiness to conduct the polls.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) raised the concern on Wednesday during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with civil society organizations in Abuja.
Amupitan said the commission had finalized its election timetable and schedule of activities under the current law but noted that any changes from the amended Electoral Act could necessitate adjustments. “While we have made our submissions to the National Assembly, the passage of the amendment may have implications for certain items in our timetable,” he said.
“However, for now, the commission has no choice but to operate within the framework of the subsisting Electoral Act.” He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing amendment process to provide clarity ahead of the 2027 polls.
Despite the uncertainty, Amupitan said INEC remained fully prepared for the elections and announced plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of 2027. “A credible register of voters remains the bedrock of free, fair and transparent elections. Accordingly, the commission will embark on a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general election,” he said.