The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a major overhaul of its digital infrastructure and election preparedness strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a focus on strengthening cybersecurity, improving technology and boosting public confidence.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this in Abuja while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and his delegation.
Amupitan said the commission had opted to upgrade its existing electoral technology rather than introduce an entirely new system, given the limited time before the next general election.
He explained that INEC was working towards developing a more accessible voter registration process that would allow citizens to register online, while continuing the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter authentication.
“We are hoping to evolve the technology whereby you can have self-service voter registration. That’s online registration. In terms of technology, we continue to deploy our Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman revealed that the commission had carried out extensive assessments of its cyber defence structure, data systems, penetration testing procedures, disaster recovery plans and communication channels to safeguard the integrity of future elections.
He added that INEC would prioritise staff development through online training programmes before conducting physical capacity-building exercises ahead of the polls.
Amupitan acknowledged concerns over declining public confidence in the electoral process but expressed optimism that credible election outcomes would help rebuild trust among Nigerians.
According to him, one of the growing threats facing the electoral system is the spread of misinformation and the increasing use of artificial intelligence to drive disinformation campaigns.
He also disclosed that INEC had commenced early procurement and logistics planning to address operational challenges before the 2027 elections.
“We have, on our own, tried to navigate most of those issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, the British High Commissioner assured Nigeria of the United Kingdom’s continued support for the country’s democratic development.
Montgomery said Britain remained committed to its security and defence partnership with Nigeria, particularly as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.
He pointed to the longstanding relationship between both countries, including the strategic partnership agreement signed in 2024 and President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK in March.
The envoy said the UK’s interest in Nigeria’s democratic process was aimed at providing both moral encouragement and practical support.
“We have a very strong interest and investment in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Montgomery said, adding that Britain would continue discussions on possible assistance ahead of the elections.
