2027 Elections: Forensic Institute calls for ‘stress test’ of INEC’s technology six months to elections

Nigeria's Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators (CIFCFIN) has issued a strong call for a "stress test" of the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) technology, demanding it be conducted publicly and forensically no later than six months before the 2027 general elections. CIFCFIN's founder, Iliyasu Gashinbaki, stated that the results should be broadcast live, urging Nigerians, the Nigeria Bar Association, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to demand this transparency.

Beyond the technology test, Gashinbaki advocated for a pre-election forensic vetting of candidates' academic certificates, birth records, and tax clearance certificates. He proposed embedding forensic analysts within INEC's results collation system to detect real-time manipulations and engaging deep fake detection experts to counter AI-generated disinformation. "Forensic evidence is the only language a captured judiciary cannot easily ignore," he asserted, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring electoral integrity.

Gashinbaki addressed widespread concerns about alleged massive rigging in recent party primaries, the push for a one-party state, and attempts to compromise INEC and the judiciary. He described these as "pathologies of democratic collapse" that could lead to a failed state if they persist into the 2027 elections. To safeguard the electoral process, CIFCFIN demands mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results, a publicly audited voters register 90 days prior to voting, and swift investigation of judges issuing conflicting orders.

The institute also highlighted loopholes in the current Electoral Act, specifically sections allowing manual results tampering and delayed electronic transmission. CIFCFIN urged the National Assembly to repeal these provisions immediately and called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to expedite investigations into judges suspected of political capture. Gashinbaki concluded that without addressing these perceived problems, the credibility of the 2027 elections will be severely undermined.

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Forensic evidence is the only language a captured judiciary cannot easily ignore.