The Independent National Electoral Commission has described the bye-elections conducted in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as important tests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, stated this on Saturday while monitoring the elections from the Commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.
The Commission conducted four legislative bye-elections across the affected states, including the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies in Bauchi State, and Udu State Constituency in Delta State.
Amupitan said the elections would enable the Commission to identify areas requiring improvement as it prepares for the 2027 polls.
He said, “These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election.”
The INEC chairman stressed that no election should be treated as insignificant, noting that each electoral exercise provides an opportunity for the Commission to assess its preparedness.
“We must resist the temptation to view any exercise as merely an ordinary bye-election. Every election is a critical component of our broader preparations for the 2027 General Election,” he said.
According to him, the exercises would help INEC assess its logistics, technology and administrative readiness ahead of the general election.
He added that the Commission had addressed operational challenges identified before the polls, while assuring Nigerians of its commitment to improving the electoral process.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution,” Amupitan said.
He explained that administrative and field-related challenges encountered before the elections were promptly addressed to ensure a smooth exercise.
The INEC chairman also expressed appreciation to officials at the Situation Room, particularly the technical team, for supporting the monitoring of the elections across the four states.
He said the Commission would continue to evaluate its performance and strengthen its processes to improve efficiency and public confidence ahead of 2027.
