On Tuesday, the Nigerian House of Representatives ordered INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan to appear before its Committee on Electoral Matters within seven legislative days to report on the commission’s readiness for the 2027 general elections and to provide updates on voter registration, PVC production and election logistics.
Key points of the resolution include:
- The committee must receive a detailed briefing on Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), election logistics, technology deployment, personnel training, security arrangements and funding.
- The chairman is required to submit a written report covering voter‑registration progress, PVC manufacturing and distribution, and the status of election‑technology tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
- Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu emphasized that “the committees are capable and must be allowed to perform their duties,” arguing that the Committee on Electoral Matters is the appropriate forum for the briefing.
What prompted the motion?
The motion, originally sponsored by Hon. Mansur Manu Soro and Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, sought a comprehensive assessment of the commission’s preparedness. It was later amended by Deputy Speaker Kalu, who argued that the House’s specialized committees, rather than the full chamber, should handle the interface with the electoral body.
Why did the Deputy Speaker favour a committee hearing?
Kalu contended that the House’s various committees are equipped with the expertise needed to scrutinise technical and logistical aspects of election preparation. He also noted that Prof Amupitan had recently addressed the global press on the commission’s level of readiness, suggesting that a focused committee session would avoid duplication.
How will lawmakers obtain additional clarification?
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen supported Kalu’s amendment and clarified that any member of the House who is not part of the Committee on Electoral Matters may attend the scheduled briefing to pose questions directly to the INEC chairman.
What concerns did co‑sponsor Dasuki raise?
Hon. Dasuki warned that the motion was driven by security challenges in several regions and the need to gauge how well the commission can conduct elections in those areas. He stressed the importance of understanding budgetary allocations, released funds, outstanding payments and the impact of any financing gaps on the election timetable.
What are the broader implications?
The House stressed that the credibility, transparency and acceptability of the 2027 polls hinge on INEC’s performance in voter registration, education, logistics, technology deployment, staff training, security coordination and adherence to the election calendar. It cited lessons from the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election, highlighting both successes and operational bottlenecks such as equipment shortages, limited staff, network failures and long waiting times at CVR centres. These issues disproportionately affect first‑time voters, rural dwellers, persons with disabilities, students and workers.
What does the commission need to address?
Lawmakers warned that failure to promptly resolve gaps in registration, logistics, technology and funding could erode public confidence and jeopardise a peaceful 2027 election. The upcoming briefing is expected to cover the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), as well as the commission’s electoral risk‑assessment strategies and the take‑aways from the Ekiti governorship race.
The motion was referred to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.