From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
As preparations gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the bye-elections held in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as important operational exercises for testing the nation’s electoral infrastructure.
The Commission’s official calendar lists the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano, Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies in Bauchi, and Udu State Constituency in Delta among the bye-elections scheduled for September 19, 2026.
According to a statement signed and issued in Abuja by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the remarks on Saturday while personally presiding over operations at the Commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.
Amupitan emphasised that no electoral contest should be dismissed as trivial or routine, noting that every election provides an opportunity for the Commission to assess and improve its processes ahead of larger electoral exercises.
The INEC Chairman said the four bye-elections provided valuable operational lessons as the Commission continued preparations for the 2027 General Election.
“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” he said.
“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, allowing us to continuously audit our logistics framework, stress-test our technological deployment, and evaluate administrative field readiness.”
The INEC Chairman, accompanied by National Commissioners and senior management officials, monitored the bye-elections as operational reports arrived from the field.
Amupitan also assured Nigerians of the Commission’s commitment to electoral integrity, noting that operational challenges encountered before polling were identified and addressed.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution,” the Chairman said.
“Whatever administrative or field challenges arose before election day, the Commission was able to nip them in the bud effectively. We remain committed to refining our processes so that every subsequent exercise reflects higher standards of efficiency and public confidence.”
He thanked members of the Situation Room, particularly the technical team, for supporting the Commission’s monitoring of the multi-state electoral exercise and enabling it to assess field operations.
INEC’s official schedule places the Presidential and House of Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in participating states and constituencies are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
