An update published by ThisDay reveals that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is planning to conduct mock presidential election exercises across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections. The initiative is aimed at thoroughly testing the commission’s upgraded electronic result-transmission infrastructure and preventing technical setbacks.
The announcement, made by INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, follows the adjustments made to the 2027 election timetable to align with the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026. The commission assured citizens that the technical glitches that plagued the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal during previous general elections have been engineered out of the new system.
Confirming the mock exercise plans, The Punch quoted the electoral umpire’s leadership assuring the public that “the 2027 election will be the best in Nigeria’s history, with no room for technical glitches.” Additionally, Premium Times reported on civil society reactions, citing a monitoring group representative who remarked that “this mock trial is a critical step to restoring public trust in electronic result transmission.”
Echotitbits take:
Conducting mock exercises well in advance is a smart logistical play by INEC. Restoring voter confidence is the commission’s biggest challenge, and demonstrating the seamless functionality of the upgraded IReV portal before 2027 is crucial.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/2027-election-inec-unveils-mock-presidential-poll-plan/, July 17, 2026
Photo credit: Chatham House
