INEC Chair Calls for Procurement Reforms for 2027 Elections

On March 30, 2026, during a three-day capacity-building workshop in Lagos, Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), highlighted the importance of procurement reforms in ensuring credible and transparent elections.

He described these reforms as a critical pillar for the commission's delivery of electoral integrity. The workshop, which was held in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, aimed to prepare INEC for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Prof. Amupitan announced that the presidential election would take place on January 16, 2027, followed by the governorship and state assembly elections on February 6, 2027.

He stressed the significance of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly the amendment of Clause 28, which reduced the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 to 300 days. This change necessitates meticulous planning and strict adherence to due process to avoid delays.

The INEC Chairman emphasized that procurement processes must be transparent and efficient to maintain public confidence in the electoral system.