2027 Elections: INEC seeks UK support on cybersecurity, technology, voter education

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the appeal when he received the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the commission.

The visit provided an opportunity for the British envoy, who disclosed that he had been in Nigeria for about eight weeks, to familiarise himself with INEC’s operations and preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

Vowles explained that the visit was primarily a courtesy call to understand the commission’s responsibilities and assess its level of preparedness for the 2027 elections.

He said the relationship between both countries was built on shared interests and a common commitment to democracy, electoral integrity and institutional development.

The INEC chairman explained that the commission was responsible for conducting elections to the offices of the President, Vice President, National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly, as well as registering political parties.

He added that INEC was also responsible for overseeing the electoral process at the federal level, while state independent electoral commissions conducted local government elections.

Amupitan said, “We have intensified preparations for the elections, moving from strategic planning to the implementation of operational activities. We have also completed nine of the 14 key activities outlined in its revised timetable.

“We are working to strengthen the voter register through continuous registration, data verification, voter transfers and the removal of ineligible entries. The nationwide collection and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, are ongoing.”

Speaking further, Amupitan told the British High Commission that the commission had “completed the political parties’ submissions of candidates for the 2027 elections in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and statutory deadline and preparations are also underway across the country’s six geopolitical zones.”

On election technology, Amupitan said, “We’re working to improve the reliability of the existing technological infrastructure, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, and result transmission processes, rather than introducing an entirely new system.”

He further told the visitors that “cybersecurity, specialised training for electoral personnel, strategic communication, voter education and the fight against misinformation are critical areas where we would welcome additional British technical assistance.”

Amupitan also stressed the need to strengthen electoral security through improved cooperation with security agencies, adding that INEC was working to ensure adequate protection of electoral personnel, facilities and sensitive materials.

On voter participation, he highlighted the commission’s efforts to address voter apathy, particularly among young Nigerians, women and persons with disabilities. He cited a recent university debate initiative across the country’s geopolitical zones as part of efforts to encourage greater youth participation in the democratic process.

The INEC chairman said the commission remained committed to conducting credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in 2027, assuring Nigerians and the international community that it would continue to improve its processes and address weaknesses identified in previous elections.

He also acknowledged the United Kingdom’s previous contributions to Nigeria’s electoral development through technical assistance, capacity building, voter education, gender inclusion and institutional reforms.

Amupitan expressed optimism that the engagement with the British High Commissioner would lead to expanded cooperation, particularly in strengthening electoral technology, cybersecurity, staff training and public confidence in the electoral process.

He reaffirmed that the commission would work towards delivering elections that meet international standards of transparency, credibility and fairness, while calling for sustained support from local and international stakeholders.