The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission is prepared to electronically transmit election results in the 2027 polls but cautioned that a “100 per cent perfect election” may not be achievable.
Amupitan made the remarks on Sunday during the Citizens’ Town Hall programme, aired live on major television networks, themed “Electoral Act 2026: What it means for your votes and the 2027 elections.” The session was moderated by presenter Seun Okinbaloye and Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, and attended by political figures including APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Labour Party Interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Ireti Kingibe.
Appealing to Nigerians to manage expectations, Amupitan said INEC would strive for excellence but could not guarantee perfection. “Let me just appeal to Nigerians… we may not be able to achieve a 100 per cent perfect election for now. But as far as electronic transmission of results is concerned, we have the capacity to transmit the results, and we’re going to transmit them. The only concern was real-time,” he stated.
The INEC chairman emphasised the centrality of elections to democracy and the importance of voter education. “Election is the lifeblood of democracy… the ignorance of a voter is very inimical to the security of a nation. That is why we cannot underscore the role of INEC, as well as civil society, in guaranteeing a transparent and credible election,” he said.
On the Electoral Act 2026, Amupitan explained that INEC contributed to the process over three years through a joint committee with the National Assembly and civil society, ensuring important provisions were included.
Addressing concerns about electronic transmission, a key issue after the 2023 elections, he said INEC advocated for mandatory transmission but noted challenges defining “real-time” results. He cited the recent FCT Area Council elections as an example, where results from Kabi ward in Kuje were delayed due to poor terrain and communication difficulties. “The results in one ward, Kabi, did not come until the following day… we had to send someone on Saturday morning to ensure officials were safe before receiving the results,” he explained.
Amupitan insisted that transmission itself was not the problem, highlighting network adequacy as the key challenge. He warned that election credibility is closely linked to logistics, noting that failures in operational planning could undermine public confidence.
Despite acknowledging minor logistical issues in the FCT poll, he expressed confidence that the 2027 elections would see major improvements due to greater voter awareness and demand for accountability. “The election of 2027 will be the best election that Nigerians will have… people are much more aware… by the time you have a transparent election and people begin to trust INEC and trust their leaders, the country will move forward,” he said.
