Professor Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, told INEC staff gathered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that the calendar for the 2027 general elections will stay exactly as set, with voting to occur on the originally planned date.
What did the chairman declare about the election timetable?
Amupitan stated, "Our statutory timeline is fixed. We will not change anything. The election must hold as scheduled." He stressed that the commission remains bound by its legal obligations to deliver credible polls.
Why is Rivers State receiving special attention?
Rivers, according to the figures presented, has the highest number of registered voters in the South‑South region – 3,736,434 – followed by Delta (3,525,988) and Edo (2,865,263). The chairman explained that this concentration of voters warrants extra monitoring to ensure no eligible voter is excluded because of operational lapses.
When will the final voters’ register be released?
INEC plans to publish the definitive register on 15 December. Prior to that date, the commission aims to resolve all outstanding issues, including more than 5,000 correction requests (name and date‑of‑birth changes) and over 600 formal objections.
How is the commission improving the register’s accuracy?
The provisional register has already been made available online and at designated venues for public inspection. Amupitan noted that the agency initially contemplated a full re‑validation of the register after he took office, but abandoned the idea because it would have been too close to the election timeline.
What lessons does INEC draw from recent elections?
Citing the off‑cycle governorship election in Osun State, which recorded the region’s highest turnout for such a contest and earned positive remarks from both local and international observers, the chairman said those experiences boost confidence in delivering a peaceful, transparent 2027 poll.
How is security being coordinated for the upcoming vote?
INEC is collaborating with the police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to safeguard voters, election officials, ad‑hoc staff and election materials. Amupitan warned that encouraging citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) must be matched by guarantees of safety at the polls.
What is the commission’s stance on technology and AI?
He dismissed rumours that artificial intelligence or algorithms would decide the election outcome, affirming that Nigerians alone will determine the result. Nonetheless, he acknowledged rising cyber‑security threats linked to AI and said INEC is reviewing how technology can protect its systems, while strengthening its digital infrastructure to prevent interference.
Amupitan concluded by urging all INEC employees in the South‑South to remain diligent, emphasizing that the credibility of the 2027 elections hinges on the conduct of officials at polling units and other field locations.