Ahead of the general elections in 2027, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced intentions to hold a nationwide mock presidential election in order to test its infrastructure for transmitting results and avoid a recurrence of previous technological issues.

Joash Amupitan, the chairman of INEC, reportedly revealed this on Sunday at the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026 in Abuja, promising Nigerians that the commission is committed to holding what he called the nation’s “best election yet.”

The declaration comes after the general election schedule for 2027 was recently modified.

The elections for the governorship and state houses of assembly were previously scheduled by INEC for March 6, 2027, and the presidential and national assembly elections for February 20, 2027.

However, the new calendar places the governorship and state assembly elections on February 6, 2027, and the presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027.

The commission claims that the modifications adhere to the requirements of the Electoral Act of 2026.

Amupitan emphasized during the town hall meeting how crucial it is to fully test election technologies prior to implementation.

He stated that technology is now a major factor in elections worldwide, but it is crucial to thoroughly examine any new technology before implementing it.

“We are attempting to hold a simulated presidential election prior to the election in order to ensure that this transmission across the states does not fail.”

Although the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was tested in off-cycle governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti before the general elections in 2023, he clarified that it was not adequately put through its paces for a national presidential fight.

He claims that the commission is eager to make sure that results are sent across states for the 2027 elections.

Amupitan said he was confident that the technical issues that occurred during the 2023 presidential election will not happen again.

He added that there are now protections in place to avoid repeat failures and that the alternative collation techniques allowed under the law are merely preventative measures and should not be used in place of electronic transmission.

According to the INEC chairman, the commission’s goal is to ensure smooth transmission while enhancing logistics and result collection procedures across the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed the modified Electoral Act 2026 into law, which is the subject of current discussions.

Depending on operational viability, the change allows results to be transmitted both electronically and manually.

More modifications, especially requiring electronic broadcasting without backup options, have been demanded by opposition parties.

Amupitan reiterated INEC’s dedication to reliable elections, stating that reliable polls are essential to democracy.

The 2027 electorate, he said, is more politically conscious and recognizes the connection between elections and the advancement of the country.