AU Mission Requests INEC Risk Assessment for 2027 Poll

On September 15, 2026, the African Union Pre-election and Needs Assessment Mission, led by Demeke Mekonen Hassen, who is the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja. The mission, deployed from September 13 to 19, aims to assess the risk and readiness of INEC for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Hassen requested assurances regarding adequate funding for the electoral process, emphasizing that resources are crucial for credible elections. The mission will evaluate the pre-election, election, and post-election phases, focusing on the voter register, technology deployment, logistics, funding, transparency, and security.

Hassen raised concerns about logistical challenges due to Nigeria's geographical spread and sought clarification on the integrity and timely publication of election results. The mission's goal is to identify potential challenges and recommend remedies to ensure a successful electoral process.