The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of non-sensitive election materials to some states as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
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Key Highlights
- INEC has begun moving non-sensitive election materials to some states ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Production of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has been completed, with most states receiving the first and second batches.
- Procurement and deployment of BVAS are ongoing.
- INEC says aspirant voting cannot be implemented without an amendment to the Electoral Act.
- A Kenyan electoral delegation is in Nigeria to study its system ahead of Kenya’s August 2027 elections.
The development comes as the electoral body steps up its readiness assessment, with the production of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) completed and the deployment of election technology underway.
INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation from Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, led by the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina.
Gumus said the commission has completed nine scheduled activities in its election timetable and recently conducted an assessment across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to determine the level of preparedness and identify outstanding challenges.
According to her, the assessment involved visits to the different zones to evaluate arrangements already put in place and determine areas requiring further attention.
PVC Production Completed
She disclosed that the movement of non-sensitive materials has already begun in some zones, while preparations for other electoral logistics were nearing completion.
Gumus also announced that the production of Permanent Voter Cards has been completed, with most states receiving the first and second batches.
She urged eligible voters to collect their PVCs, describing the exercise as an important part of ensuring their participation in the forthcoming elections.
The INEC commissioner further said the commission was organising capacity-building programmes for its personnel at the national and state levels to strengthen their ability to conduct the elections.
She added that procurement and deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) were ongoing as part of efforts to improve the credibility and efficiency of the electoral process.
On the proposed introduction of aspirant voting, Gumus said INEC could not implement the arrangement without an amendment to the Electoral Act, noting that the existing law did not provide for it.
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Kenya Studies Nigeria’s Electoral System
Meanwhile, the visiting Kenyan delegation said it is in Nigeria to study the country’s electoral system and exchange ideas ahead of Kenya’s August 2027 general elections.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina, said both countries shared several electoral challenges despite differences in population and geographical size.
He disclosed that Kenya is particularly interested in Nigeria’s experience with diaspora voting and arrangements for special interest groups.
Parashina said approximately 12 countries participated in Kenya’s diaspora voting arrangements during its last general election, but the country is considering expanding the coverage to about 26 countries in the next exercise.
He described Nigeria’s electoral experience as significant to other African democracies, expressing optimism that the engagement would strengthen cooperation between the two electoral commissions.
Election updates are published on the INEC website. For more 2027 election news, follow us on X.
