The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described Saturday’s bye-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as an opportunity to assess its systems and logistics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the commission would use the lessons gathered from the four elections to strengthen its preparations for the nationwide polls.
Amupitan spoke while monitoring the elections from INEC’s National Situation Room at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Saturday.
The bye-elections were conducted 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.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, the INEC chairman said every election provided the commission with an opportunity to evaluate its level of preparedness.
“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 explained that the commission would use the elections to assess its logistics, technology and administrative processes, stressing that bye-elections should not be treated as routine exercises.
According to him, the experiences gained from such elections could provide valuable lessons for improving the conduct of future polls.
Amupitan monitored reports from the various locations alongside National Commissioners and other senior officials of the commission.
He disclosed that some operational challenges identified ahead of the elections were promptly addressed.
The INEC chairman also said the National Situation Room was being used to monitor developments across the affected constituencies and address issues that could potentially disrupt the smooth conduct of the elections.
“We will continue to improve our processes to achieve greater efficiency and build public confidence in future elections,” Amupitan said.
