The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described Saturday’s bye-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as crucial operational tests for its preparations for the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the four legislative bye-elections would provide the Commission with important lessons on logistics, technology and administrative readiness ahead of the nationwide poll.
Amupitan spoke on Saturday while monitoring the elections from INEC’s National Situation Room at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The elections were held in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State; Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State; and Udu State Constituency of Delta State.
According to the INEC chairman, the Commission would treat every election as part of its broader preparations for 2027 rather than as an isolated exercise.
“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” Amupitan said.
He said the elections would enable the Commission to assess its logistics framework, technological deployment and administrative preparedness in the field.
“We must resist the temptation to view any exercise as merely an ordinary bye-election. Every election is a critical component of our broader preparations for the 2027 General Election,” he said.
Amupitan, who was accompanied by National Commissioners and senior management officials, monitored reports from the various locations as voting and other electoral activities progressed.
He said the Commission’s National Situation Room was also used to identify and address operational challenges that arose before the polls.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution,” he said.
According to him, administrative and field challenges encountered ahead of the elections were identified and resolved, adding that the Commission would continue to improve its processes in subsequent electoral exercises.
“We remain committed to refining our processes so that every subsequent exercise reflects higher standards of efficiency and public confidence,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman also commended the technical team and other officials involved in monitoring the multi state exercise, saying their efforts enabled the Commission to assess field operations across the affected states.
The Commission said the experience from the bye-elections would form part of its continuing assessment as preparations intensify for the 2027 General Election.
