The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, has warned that Nigeria may not achieve a 100% perfect election in 2027, citing challenges with electronic transmission of results, particularly in real-time.
He emphasized that while INEC has the capacity to transmit results electronically, network adequacy and logistics remain concerns, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
He said this during a Citizens’ Townhall Meeting organized by the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity at Abuja Continental Hotel on Sunday.
Despite acknowledging possible shortcomings, Amupitan expressed confidence that the 2027 presidential election would be the best in Nigeria’s history.
The event brought together civil society groups, academics, election observers, and members of the public to deliberate on electoral issues.
According to him, Nigeria requires simpler legislative language to enable citizens to better understand the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
While citing the recent FCT Area Council elections, Amupitan explained that results were released promptly in five area councils, while one ward in Kuje experienced delays until the following day.
He emphasized that the success of any election depends largely on logistics and result management.
An election, he said, can be considered successful if it begins as scheduled, is conducted peacefully, and results are properly managed and declared transparently.
While admitting that logistical and human errors occurred in past elections, he assured Nigerians that efforts are underway to address these challenges.
He appealed for understanding, noting that although Nigerians desire perfect elections, achieving 100 percent perfection may not yet be realistic.
Amupitan highlighted that the commission is working to address these issues and plans to conduct a mock presidential election to test its result-transmission infrastructure.
He assured Nigerians that INEC is committed to delivering a credible election, but acknowledged that perfection may be difficult to attain.
