Delayed Electoral Act Amendment Could Disrupt 2027 Poll Timetable – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that delays in the amendment of the Electoral Act could disrupt parts of the timetable for the 2027 general elections, even as it assured Nigerians of its preparedness to conduct the polls.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, raised the concern on Wednesday during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with civil society organisations held in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, the commission has already finalised its election timetable and schedule of activities based on the existing legal framework. However, he noted that the passage of the amended Electoral Act by the National Assembly could introduce changes that may affect certain aspects of the timetable.
“While we have made our submissions to the National Assembly, the passage of the amendment may have implications for some items in our timetable,” the INEC chairman said. “For now, the commission has no option but to operate within the framework of the subsisting Electoral Act.”
He stressed the importance of timely legislative action, urging lawmakers to expedite the amendment process to provide clarity and certainty ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We appeal to stakeholders, including civil society organisations, to support our call on the National Assembly to fast-track the amendment of the Electoral Act,” Amupitan added.
Despite the concerns, the INEC chairman reassured Nigerians that the commission remains fully prepared to conduct credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in 2027. He also disclosed plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the polls to ensure the integrity of the voters’ register.
The warning comes amid ongoing debates over electoral reforms, with observers emphasising that early passage of the amended Electoral Act is critical to effective election planning, logistics, and implementation.
INEC reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that any legal changes introduced before the elections are seamlessly integrated into its operational framework without undermining the electoral calendar.