The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said the commission is equipped to electronically transmit results in the 2027 general elections, even as he cautioned Nigerians not to expect absolute perfection in the conduct of the polls.
Speaking during a live Citizens’ Town Hall broadcast on Sunday, Amupitan stressed that while the commission is determined to deliver credible elections under the Electoral Act 2026, it cannot promise a process entirely free of hitches. The programme, themed “Electoral Act 2026: What it means for your votes and the 2027 elections,” was aired across major television networks and brought together political leaders and civil society actors.
The discussion was moderated by television anchor Seun Okinbaloye and the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo. Among those present were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda; the Labour Party’s Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman; former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili; and Senator Ireti Kingibe, among others.
Addressing widespread calls for a seamless electoral process, Amupitan acknowledged the high expectations Nigerians have developed over time. According to him, the commission will push for excellence but must be honest about operational realities.
He reaffirmed that INEC has the infrastructure and technical capability to transmit results electronically, noting that the recurring debate has focused largely on whether transmission would occur strictly in real time. The commission, he said, remains committed to deploying electronic transmission in 2027.
While conceding that no electoral system is immune to challenges, the INEC chairman maintained that improvements are ongoing and that lessons from previous elections are being factored into future planning.
He urged citizens to remain engaged and supportive as the country prepares for another crucial democratic milestone.
