INEC considers mock presidential poll before 2027 election

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is exploring the possibility of conducting a mock presidential election and a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems. These potential exercises are intended to rigorously test the reliability of the commission's processes and technology ahead of the 2027 general election.

The proposals stem from concerns raised during the 2023 general election, particularly regarding the dependability of election technology. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed these considerations during a courtesy visit from the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, at the commission's headquarters in Abuja.

"The commission was 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," a statement on INEC's official X page read. While these exercises were not initially budgeted for, INEC plans to investigate ways to implement them if deemed necessary to bolster the credibility of the upcoming general election.

Prof. Amupitan linked these potential measures to INEC's ongoing efforts to enhance technological reliability. This includes the continued deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal. The commission is also reviewing its cyber-security architecture, focusing on system redundancy, penetration testing, and disaster recovery mechanisms. Dr. Montgomery affirmed the UK's close observation of INEC's preparations and assured the commission of sustained support through his successor.

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The commission was 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.