INEC unveils tech overhaul for 2027 elections with Canadian partnership
Nigeria's electoral commission is launching AI units and nationwide mock drills to strengthen voting systems ahead of 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is advancing its preparations for the 2027 general elections through a multi-pronged technological upgrade, including a new Artificial Intelligence Unit and a countrywide mock accreditation exercise scheduled for November 2026. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan disclosed these plans during a visit from Canada's High Commission delegation this week, signalling the commission's intent to deploy advanced systems for electoral data management and voter processing.
The November mock exercise will put the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and related polling equipment through field testing to identify operational gaps before the main election. Amupitan described the drill as a rigorous assessment designed to measure INEC's technological readiness and capability to execute the 2027 polls smoothly.
The commission has benchmarked its approach using lessons from the Osun State governorship election, where officials noted improvements in polling unit operations, BVAS functionality, electronic result delivery, and dispute resolution. INEC is actively seeking deeper collaboration with Canada on electoral infrastructure, artificial intelligence deployment, and strategies to boost voter participation while combating false information.
The partnership request reflects the commission's recognition that international technical support may strengthen electoral administration. The newly established AI Unit will specifically focus on optimising how electoral information is gathered, stored, and transmitted across Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
These preparations come as INEC intensifies modernisation efforts that began in recent off-cycle state elections. The commission has positioned the 2027 general election as a test case for Nigeria's evolving electoral technology capacity, with results transmission and system reliability emerging as central operational priorities for the polls.
Sources
- Blueprint — 2027 polls: INEC plans nationwide mock accreditation in November
- Punch Newspapers — INEC adopts Osun election as benchmark for 2027 – Amupitan
- The Authority — 2027: INEC seeks Canada’s support on electoral technology, AI, inclusivity
- Punch Newspapers — Mock accreditation’ll test BVAS strength for 2027 poll – Amupitan
- Nigerian Tribune — INEC unveils Artificial Intelligence Unit to improve results transmission
