2027: INEC Ready With Election Timetable, NASS Delaying Its Release — Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that preparations for the 2027 General Election have reached an advanced stage, with the election timetable and schedule of activities already completed. However, the commission says it is unable to formally release the document due to ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act being handled by the National Assembly (NASS). INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this in Abuja, stressing that the delay is not the fault of the electoral body but a consequence of legal and legislative processes still underway.

INEC Confirms Timetable Readiness Amid Legal Constraints

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan revealed that the commission has concluded work on the full timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, in line with its constitutional responsibilities. He made this known on Wednesday during INEC’s first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Abuja.

According to Amupitan, although the timetable is ready, INEC cannot release it until the National Assembly completes amendments to the Electoral Act. He explained that releasing the timetable before the amendments are finalised could expose the commission to legal challenges, especially if changes affect key electoral procedures or timelines.

Citing Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, Amupitan noted that the law empowers INEC to issue a notice of election not later than 360 days before polling day. He added that the commission has already made all necessary submissions to the National Assembly as required, emphasizing that INEC has acted responsibly and within the law.

Call on National Assembly and Stakeholders

The INEC chairman appealed to the National Assembly to expedite action on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, noting that timely passage of the law would allow the commission to release the 2027 election timetable without constraints. He assured political parties, civil society groups, and the general public that the timetable would be unveiled immediately the amendment process is concluded.

Amupitan also called on civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support advocacy efforts aimed at fast-tracking the legislative process. He stressed that early release of the timetable is crucial for effective planning by political parties, election observers, security agencies, and voters.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting the 2027 General Election in full compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act, assuring Nigerians that the commission remains focused on delivering a credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral process.

Voter Register Cleanup and Electoral Integrity Concerns

Beyond the timetable issue, Amupitan raised concerns about the integrity of the national voters’ register ahead of the 2027 polls. He disclosed that INEC had identified suspicious entries, including records believed to contain the names of deceased persons and even prominent politicians, describing the situation as a serious threat to electoral credibility.

The INEC chairman said the commission has commenced a cleanup of the voters’ register to eliminate so-called “ghost voters” and other irregularities. He urged CSOs to intensify voter education efforts and assist INEC in monitoring the process to ensure transparency and public confidence.

Amupitan further appealed to residents of the Federal Capital Territory to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the February 10 deadline. He also called on civil society groups to monitor political parties and campaigns to curb hate speech, vote buying, misinformation, and electoral violence as preparations for 2027 gather momentum.