The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a mock presidential election ahead of the 2027 general elections as part of efforts to strengthen its electoral processes and improve the credibility of the polls.
INEC said the proposed exercise would enable the commission to carry out a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems and identify possible challenges before Nigerians head to the polls in 2027.
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the plan on Thursday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the commission's headquarters in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, the proposal was informed by concerns raised after the 2023 general election, particularly regarding the reliability of election technology.
Mock Election to Test Electoral Systems
The INEC chairman explained that the commission is considering conducting a nationwide mock presidential election to assess the readiness of its electoral technology, logistics and operational processes before the actual election.
He noted that the exercise would help identify and address potential weaknesses, thereby enhancing transparency, efficiency and public confidence in the electoral process.
"The Commission is looking at the possibility of auditing all its systems ahead of the 2027 election, as well as conducting a mock presidential election to test the readiness of its processes and technology before the actual polls," Amupitan said.
Focus on Technology and Cybersecurity
Amupitan said the proposed mock election forms part of INEC's broader reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of elections through improved technology.
He stated that the commission would continue deploying the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) while also reviewing its cybersecurity architecture.
According to him, the review includes system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery mechanisms to ensure the reliability of electoral technology.
He acknowledged that the proposed mock election was not included in the commission's approved budget but said INEC would explore ways to implement the initiative because of its importance to the success of the 2027 elections.
UK Reaffirms Support for INEC
Amupitan also highlighted the continued collaboration between INEC and the United Kingdom on election technology and cybersecurity, describing the partnership as valuable to Nigeria's democratic development.
He noted that INEC has continued to receive technical support from the UK Government and other international partners, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission's commitment to conducting elections that are free, fair, transparent and reflective of the will of Nigerians.
He stressed that credible elections require the collective support of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens.
British Envoy Commends INEC's Preparations
Earlier, British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery said the UK Government had been closely monitoring INEC's preparations for the 2027 general election.
He disclosed that discussions also covered recent off-cycle elections in Ekiti State, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)and Anambra State, as well as preparations for the upcoming Osun State governorship election.
Montgomery, who is expected to conclude his tenure in Nigeria in about six weeks, assured INEC of the UK's continued support under his successor.
He expressed confidence that both countries would maintain a productive partnership as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.