INEC Lagos State

NORTH-CENTRAL READINESS: INEC CHAIRMAN RAISES THE BAR FOR 2027 POLLS, UNVEILS WELFARE AND LOGISTICS REFORMS, WARNS STAFF AGAINST NEGLIGENCE AND PARTISANSHIP The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed its personnel to suspend further annual leave as preparations intensify for the 2027 General Election, while announcing a package of workforce, welfare and logistical measures aimed at strengthening its nationwide operations. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the directive on Friday in Lokoja, Kogi State, during the North-Central Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 General Election. The directive comes as the Commission prepares to conduct elections involving more than 103 million registered voters across 176,846 polling units nationwide, with the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6, 2027. Addressing senior officials and field personnel from the six North-Central states and the Federal Capital Territory, Amupitan said the approaching elections required heightened administrative discipline, operational efficiency and absolute commitment from every member of staff. He warned that partisanship, negligence, financial impropriety and absenteeism would attract decisive sanctions, directing Resident Electoral Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries to enforce strict attendance and accountability measures. The Chairman's address also outlined a series of institutional changes, including the introduction of a new salary structure, enhanced field allowances, increased state office funding and the provision of additional operational vehicles. A major component of the reforms is the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure (CEMBSS), which, according to the Chairman, took effect from January 1, 2026, following the Commission's move away from the conventional civil service salary structure. He said processes for cash-backing the arrangement were ongoing. He also disclosed that the Commission had approved enhanced salary, hazard and field allowance packages for personnel, alongside a 150 per cent increase in monthly overhead allocations to state offices, effective July 1, 2026. On logistics, Amupitan announced that operational pick-up vehicles had been distributed to state and Local Government Area offices nationwide. He added that 20 Sports Utility Vehicles had been procured for Resident Electoral Commissioners, while Administrative Secretaries would also receive new vehicles. The measures, he said, were intended to strengthen the Commission's operational capacity and ensure that personnel had the resources required to discharge their responsibilities across the country. Beyond personnel and welfare, the Chairman identified technology, voter accreditation and electronic transmission of results as critical areas requiring sustained attention ahead of the elections. He disclosed that the Commission was configuring its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), including 57,000 newly procured devices, to support faster voter verification and accreditation. He also said electronic result management systems, including the eEC8A verification platform, were undergoing audits to ensure the transparent transmission of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). The Commission, he said, had activated Printable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a digital PVC Location Portal to facilitate voter access. He further disclosed that the preliminary voters' register had been published for public scrutiny, with the certified Register of Voters scheduled for publication on December 15, 2026. Addressing concerns over photographs appearing on the preliminary register, Amupitan said the data remained subject to verification before the final register would be published.

INEC CHAIRMAN COMMISSIONS BVAS STORAGE FACILITY IN KOGI, SEEKS TRADITIONAL RULERS’ SUPPORT FOR PEACEFUL 2027 ELECTIONS The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has commissioned a newly constructed Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) storage facility in Lokoja, Kogi State, as part of the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 General Election. The commissioning, which took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, formed part of the Chairman’s North-Central Zonal Readiness Assessment and nationwide interactive engagements with staff and stakeholders ahead of the January 16 and February 6, 2027 elections. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Professor Amupitan explained that the facility was designed to address operational challenges associated with the storage and maintenance of BVAS devices, particularly those arising from improper storage conditions and inadequate cooling systems. He noted that the Commission had identified the need for dedicated storage facilities across states to ensure that the devices are kept under appropriate conditions, maintain optimal performance, preserve battery life and extend their operational lifespan. According to him, the initiative is part of the Commission’s broader efforts to strengthen technological reliability and ensure effective deployment of election technology for the forthcoming elections. The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the facility and formally commissioned it for use during the 2027 General Election, charging the relevant officials to ensure that it serves its intended purpose. He also acknowledged the attention given to the quality of construction, particularly the foundation, structural protection, electrical connections and equipment installations. He disclosed that the Commission would continue working with its ICT Department to address additional requirements, including the relocation and installation of equipment racks. Professor Amupitan congratulated the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner and the management of the state office on the initiative, describing the facility as an important addition to the state's electoral preparedness. Earlier, the INEC Chairman paid a courtesy visit to the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, where he solicited the support and royal blessings of traditional institutions for the successful conduct of peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2027. Describing the visit as a homecoming, the Chairman said it was important to pay homage to traditional rulers before undertaking a major national assignment in his home state. The delegation was received by the President and Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, the Attah Igala, alongside the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammad; the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, and other traditional rulers across the state. Professor Amupitan explained that the engagement was part of the Commission’s nationwide consultations and readiness assessments, with the North-Central zone representing the final phase of its zonal assessment tours. He emphasised that traditional rulers remained critical partners in the electoral process because of their influence and authority within their respective communities, noting that the Commission could not independently guarantee peaceful elections without the cooperation of community leaders and other stakeholders.

FAKE POSTER ON ADC LEADERSHIP The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to alert the public that a poster and accompanying text circulating on social media, claiming that the Commission has "reaffirmed" a Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are fake. The said poster did not originate from the Commission. The use of INEC's logo and the image of the National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, in the said publication is unauthorized. For the avoidance of doubt, INEC has issued no such reaffirmation. Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the publication in its entirety and to rely only on information from INEC's official and verified channels.

CONDUCT OF ELECTORAL TRAINING MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP FOR STATE TRAINING OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT STATE TRAINING OFFICERS (STOs & ASTOs) IN PREPARATION FOR THE #NigeriaDecides2027 The Electoral Institute (TEI), as part of its training plans is conducting an Electoral Training Management Course (ETMC) for State Training Officers and Assistant State Training Officers (STOs and ASTOs). The four day Certification programme held Tuesday 3rd -Friday 6th November 2026 at Ajuji Greenwich Hotel Gudu, Abuja. The four day certification course is designed to equip state trainers with the practical skills, knowledge, professional competencies, a deeper understanding of the electoral process and the operational demands required for effective management of training activities for the 2027 General Elections. Honourable National Commissioner and member, the Board of the Electoral Institute (BEI) Professor Sunday Ajah who declared the training open emphasised the Commission was counting on participants’ professionalism, dedication, and commitment to ensure that every training activity is conducted effectively and every election official is adequately prepared to perform their duties.

Media Accreditation for #NigeriaDecides2027 Apply: imap.inecnigeria.org Portal Opens: Friday, October 30, 2026 Portal Closes: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 Late applications will not be accepted. The portal will shut down automatically at the deadline.

THE GRAND FINALE IS HERE! All is set for the INEC Campus Debate Grand Finale at the University of Abuja! Theme: Nigeria’s Electoral Process and Democracy 📅 Date: 3 November 2026 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM 📍 Venue: Faculty of Law Theatre, University of Abuja 🔥 Four finalists. One winner. Join us as young minds engage in thought-provoking debates on Nigeria’s electoral process and the future of our democracy. #NigeriaDecides2027 #YouthParticipation

INEC CHAIRMAN: ATTACKS ON NYSC MEMBERS, ELECTION OFFICIALS WILL ATTRACT FULL WEIGHT OF THE LAW The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, has charged electoral officials across the South-South geopolitical zone to uphold impartiality, discipline and accountability as the Commission intensifies preparations for the #NigeriaDecides2027 Professor Amupitan gave the charge on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at the South-South Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he warned that partisanship, negligence, absenteeism and financial impropriety would attract disciplinary action. The Chairman said the assessment was part of the Commission’s field-based approach to evaluating operational preparedness, identifying gaps and strengthening service delivery ahead of the elections. He cited INEC’s conduct of governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States, FCT Area Council elections and 16 by-elections as experiences informing preparations for the nationwide exercise. He disclosed that the South-South zone has 15,823,550 registered voters, including 3,736,434 in Rivers State, and stressed that no eligible voter should be disenfranchised through administrative negligence or logistical failure. On electoral technology, Professor Amupitan said the Commission was preparing its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), including 57,000 newly procured devices, while auditing electronic result management systems to strengthen transparency in result transmission through the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. Addressing concerns over suspicious photographs on the preliminary voters’ register published online, he said the Commission was examining the records and would take corrective action based on verified findings. He urged the public to participate in the display, claims and objections process ahead of the publication of the final register scheduled for 15 December 2026. The Chairman also highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the region’s creeks, coastal settlements and riverine communities. He disclosed that INEC had finalised a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maritime Transporters Union to support the timely and secure transportation of election personnel and materials. On election security, he reaffirmed the Commission’s collaboration with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), emphasising intelligence-led planning and the protection of voters, electoral materials and personnel. He warned that anyone who threatens or harms INEC officials, including National Youth Service Corps members deployed for election duties, would face the full weight of the law. Professor Amupitan further emphasised strict compliance with electoral laws, regulations and guidelines, while highlighting staff welfare measures, including the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure (CEMBSS), enhanced salary, hazard and field allowances, and a 150 per cent increase in monthly state office overhead allocations, effective 1 July 2026.

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION PRESS STATEMENT CLARIFICATION ON ALLEGED AI-GENERATED PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE PRELIMINARY REGISTER OF VOTERS The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has noted public concerns and reports circulating on social media regarding suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in the Preliminary Register of Voters recently published on its website. The Commission wishes to clarify that the register published online on 26 October 2026 is the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) nationwide from 9th to 15th October 2026 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise. During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination. The Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures. The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities. It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register. The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification. The Commission is also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings. The Commission appreciates the vigilance of citizens and stakeholders who have brought these concerns to public attention. Such scrutiny contributes to the process of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register. INEC remains committed to completing the necessary verification, adjudication, and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on 15th December 2026. The Commission assures Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed through the applicable procedures and that further updates will be provided as the review progresses. Mohammed Kudu Haruna Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) 27th October, 2026

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION PRESS STATEMENT UPDATE ON THE DISPLAY AND PUBLICATION OF THE PRELIMINARY REGISTER OF VOTERS FOR THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTION The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to provide an update on the display of the Preliminary Register of Voters ahead of the 2027 General Election. 2. In accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the Commission conducted the physical display of the Register at Registration Areas nationwide from 9th to 15th October, 2026, providing registered voters the opportunity to inspect their particulars and submit claims and objections as prescribed by law. 3. The Commission has taken note of the concerns expressed by Nigerians and other stakeholders regarding the desirability of making the Register accessible through its online platform in addition to the physical display already conducted. 4. Accordingly, and in furtherance of its commitment to transparency, accessibility and public confidence in the electoral process, the Commission has decided to make available on its online platform display.inecnigeria.org the same Preliminary Register of Voters earlier displayed at the Registration Areas. 5. This additional measure complements the physical display already undertaken and is intended to facilitate wider public access to the Register. Meanwhile, the Commission continues to process claims and objections arising from the exercise in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026, preparatory to the certification and publication of the Final Register of Voters on 15th December 2026. 6. The Commission appreciates the continued interest and constructive engagement of Nigerians and stakeholders and reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability and the faithful implementation of the Electoral Act, 2026 in delivering credible elections. Mohammed Kudu Haruna Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) 26th October, 2026

As part of the assessment visit, the INEC chairman and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gombe, HRH Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, at his palace to seek the support, prayers and cooperation of traditional institutions ahead of the 2027 general election. Prof.Amupitan described the visit as an important part of the commission’s consultations with traditional rulers across the country, noting that their influence at the grassroots could help promote peaceful participation and public confidence in the electoral process. The chairman urged the Emir to mobilise residents to collect their PVCs, encourage eligible citizens to vote and appeal to political leaders to conduct their campaigns peacefully. He acknowledged the security challenges facing parts of the country, saying INEC was working with security agencies, including the police, the Office of the National Security Adviser, service chiefs and other relevant organisations, to mitigate threats to voters and election infrastructure. In his response, the Emir of Gombe, HRH Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR welcomed the INEC chairman and his delegation, describing the visit as timely as preparations for the 2027 general election gathered momentum. He acknowledged the enormous responsibility entrusted to INEC in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that credible elections required careful planning, professionalism, impartiality, transparency and public cooperation. The Emir assured the commission that the traditional institution in Gombe State and the wider North-East was prepared to support INEC in a non-partisan manner to promote peaceful and credible elections. He also pledged support for efforts to discourage electoral violence, inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation, while encouraging citizens to participate peacefully in the democratic process.

INEC Chairman Visits Gombe Emir, Seeks Royal Intervention for Peaceful 2027 Polls #NigeriaDecides2027 The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, called on electoral officials in Gombe State to intensify preparations for the 2027 general election, stressing the need for professionalism, neutrality, transparency and effective logistics. Prof Amupitan made the call during a readiness assessment visit to Gombe State, where he led National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from across the North-East zone and other senior officials of the commission to assess facilities, engage staff and review preparations for the forthcoming polls. Addressing staff at the INEC state office in Gombe, the chairman said the presidential and National Assembly elections were scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would hold on February 6, 2027. He urged staff to regard the assessment as a call to greater commitment, noting that the commission had limited time to prepare for the elections. “The readiness assessment is to assess what we have on ground,” Amupitan said, adding that ongoing renovations in Gombe and other local government areas were part of efforts to improve the commission’s operational capacity and election logistics. He charged electoral officers to discharge their statutory responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC’s guidelines and regulations. According to him, the commission must remain impartial and ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair, transparent and credible. “We are not candidates of our own, but we will do everything possible to conduct a free, fair, inclusive and credible election come 2027,” he said. The INEC chairman also emphasised the importance of ongoing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collection, urging electoral officials to mobilise eligible voters, particularly those in local government areas, to collect their cards ahead of the elections. He described PVC collection as a right rather than a favour and called on staff to take public enlightenment seriously to ensure that eligible Nigerians were not discouraged from participating in the electoral process. Prof. Amupitan disclosed that some non-sensitive election materials had already been received, while additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines had been ordered, with delivery expected within the week. He said the commission was also working on storage facilities for the equipment and had conducted an audit of existing BVAS machines nationwide following the challenges experienced during the 2023 general election. The chairman noted that technology would remain central to voter accreditation and the transmission of election results, adding that the commission was taking steps to strengthen its operational processes ahead of the polls. “This period, nobody goes on leave again. You should commit your time to support your REC, your administrative secretary, your heads of department and the EOs to ensure that the election is seamless and very successful,” he said.