The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has intensified efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity framework and upgrade its technological infrastructure as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and his delegation.
Amupitan said the commission had opted to improve its existing election technology rather than introduce a new system, citing the need for continuity and adequate preparation ahead of the polls.
He explained that INEC is working towards introducing a self-service online voter registration platform while retaining the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation during elections.
According to him, the commission has also conducted comprehensive reviews of its cybersecurity architecture, data management systems, penetration testing processes, disaster recovery mechanisms and communication protocols to strengthen the integrity and resilience of the electoral process.
He added that INEC would adopt a phased training approach for its personnel, beginning with virtual sessions before physical training, to ensure staff are adequately prepared for the conduct of the elections.
Amupitan acknowledged that public confidence in the electoral process remains a challenge but expressed optimism that credible elections would help rebuild trust in the commission.
He identified misinformation and the growing use of artificial intelligence to spread disinformation as major threats to electoral credibility, stressing the need for sustained efforts to counter false narratives before and during the election period.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission had commenced early procurement and logistics planning, noting that proactive measures were being taken to address potential operational challenges ahead of the 2027 general election.
Earlier, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process through its ongoing security and defence partnership with the country.
He said the UK regarded Nigeria as a strategic partner and remained committed to providing both moral and practical support in the build-up to the 2027 general election, in line with the strategic partnership signed by both countries in 2024.
Montgomery expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the two nations would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring a credible electoral process in 2027.
