INEC: FCT Polls, Ekiti, Osun Guber Testing Ground for 2027 Elections

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled to hold in February 2026, as well as the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states would serve as an important testing ground for the 2027 elections.INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made this known at the opening of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat organised held in Lagos.

He noted that the engagement is designed to induct newly appointed Commission Members and Resident Electoral Commissioners into INEC’s institutional framework, administrative structure, communication processes and ethical standards.The chairman stressed that while the 2027 general election remained its ultimate goal, it must first successfully navigate several key electoral milestones.

Amupitan stated, “These elections will serve as important testing grounds for refining voter registry management, election logistics and the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).”He reaffirmed its commitment to delivering elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive, as it intensifies institutional preparations towards the 2027 general election.

The Chairman stressed that the Commission is deliberately strengthening its leadership capacity, operational systems, and institutional coherence in response to rising public expectations of the electoral process.

He emphasised that early planning, strategic coordination, and strict adherence to the rule of law would be crucial to the credibility of the 2027 general election.

Amupitan outlined five non-negotiable pillars guiding the Commission’s mandate: Elections free from interference; fairness to all political parties and candidates; credibility in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community; transparency across all stages of the electoral process; and inclusivity to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, described  the retreat as a significant milestone in the Commission’s continuous institutional evolution.

Salami said the engagement provides a platform for reflection, strategic alignment and institutional consolidation at a time when public expectations of the electoral process are higher than ever.

He emphasised that early planning, coordination and institutional cohesion are indispensable as the Commission advances towards the 2027 general election.