INEC to Conduct Nationwide Mock Accreditation in November

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced plans for a nationwide mock accreditation exercise in November 2026 as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections. This announcement was made by the chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a courtesy visit from David Sproule, the Charge d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, in Abuja.

The mock accreditation aims to rigorously test the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other electoral equipment to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Amupitan expressed the Commission's openness to collaboration with Canada, particularly in technology and electoral integrity.

He referenced the recent Osun state governorship election on August 15, where 94.5% of polling units opened on time, as a benchmark for operational improvements. Additionally, INEC has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Unit to address technological challenges in election administration and will participate in the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections in Ottawa, Canada, from September 9 to 11, seeking expedited visa processing for its delegation.