INEC AND THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

With just a few weeks to the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is already heating up, characterised by campaigns, political alignments, defections and other election-related activities. Politicians are jostling for public attention, parties are consolidating their structures, and candidates are making promises in their quest to secure the mandate of the electorate. However, beneath the growing political excitement lies a more fundamental question: Is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adequately prepared to conduct credible elections?

There is no doubt that Nigerians are increasingly tired of the usual electoral campaign rhetoric, exaggerated promises and political theatrics that often disappear immediately after elections. The electorate has heard enough promises of economic transformation, employment opportunities, improved security and better infrastructure. What Nigerians want now is a clear demonstration of how candidates intend to translate their promises into tangible results. They are no longer interested in endless name-calling, personal attacks and political mudslinging. Rather, they want issue-based campaigns that will enable them to assess candidates on their competence, character, track records and policy proposals, irrespective of their political affiliations.

While the quality of political campaigns remains important, the preparedness and credibility of INEC should be of even greater concern. An election is only as credible as the institution responsible for conducting it. Unfortunately, recent developments surrounding the electoral commission have continued to raise serious questions about its readiness. The controversies surrounding the removal and reinstatement of party-nominated candidates, suspicious internal redeployments of electoral officials and the discovery of AI-generated images in the voters’ register are developments that do little to inspire public confidence in the commission.

Of particular concern is the revelation by INEC’s Head of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) last week that some electoral officers were involved in the illegal inclusion of AI-generated images in the voters’ register. This is a serious breach that raises fundamental questions about the integrity of the registration process and the reliability of the commission’s database. More disturbing, however, is the apparent absence of publicly announced disciplinary measures or prosecutions against those responsible. How can INEC assure Nigerians of a credible election when officials entrusted with protecting the integrity of the electoral process can allegedly compromise it without visible consequences? The commission must move beyond public disclosures and demonstrate accountability through decisive action.

Equally troubling is the controversy surrounding the publication of candidates’ lists. The repeated back-and-forth over which candidates have been recognised, removed or reinstated creates unnecessary confusion and undermines confidence in the electoral process. Nigerians deserve certainty about the candidates participating in the elections, not a situation where INEC appears to make repeated U-turns on published lists. While legitimate legal disputes and court orders must be respected, the commission must demonstrate consistency, transparency and professionalism in handling such matters. Electoral information should be clear, timely and accessible to all stakeholders.

Another critical area that demands urgent attention is the recruitment and profiling of ad hoc electoral personnel. INEC must ensure that every individual engaged in the electoral process, particularly Presiding Officers and Returning Officers, undergoes thorough background checks and proper verification. The controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections, including allegations of the involvement of individuals falsely presented as university lecturers in the manipulation of results in some states, should serve as a lasting lesson. The commission cannot afford to repeat such embarrassing experiences. Verified identification tags, properly authenticated credentials and transparent recruitment procedures must be mandatory for all ad hoc personnel to prevent impersonation, infiltration and electoral malpractice.

Furthermore, INEC must urgently undertake a comprehensive cleaning and verification of the national voters’ register ahead of its final display in December. The credibility of an election begins with an accurate voters’ register. Duplicate entries, fictitious identities, questionable photographs and other irregularities must be identified and addressed before the register is finalised. The commission should also make the process transparent enough to allow political parties, civil society organisations and ordinary Nigerians to identify and report suspicious entries. A compromised voters’ register creates room for electoral manipulation and casts doubt on the legitimacy of the eventual outcome.

Ultimately, the responsibility of conducting free, fair, credible and acceptable elections rests heavily on INEC. The commission must understand that public confidence is not secured through press statements, assurances or repeated appeals for Nigerians to trust its processes. It is earned through transparency, accountability, consistency and demonstrable professionalism. The unanswered questions surrounding its recent activities must be addressed before Nigerians go to the polls. The commission must also strengthen its operational capacity, protect the independence of its officials and ensure that every stage of the electoral process is open to scrutiny.

As Nigeria approaches another defining moment in its democratic journey, INEC must recognise that the 2027 general elections are bigger than the ambitions of individual politicians or the fortunes of political parties. They represent the collective hopes and expectations of millions of Nigerians who desire a government that truly reflects their choices. Nigerians are not asking for an election that favours any political party or candidate; they are demanding an electoral process that protects their votes and gives legitimacy to whoever emerges victorious. INEC must therefore answer the questions being raised, restore public confidence and demonstrate, through its actions, that it is ready to deliver elections that will be free, fair, credible and acceptable to all.

Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Obosi, Anambra State