The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned that delays in amending the Electoral Act could affect aspects of the timetable for the 2027 general elections, even as it assured Nigerians of its readiness to conduct the polls.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), raised the concern on Wednesday during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with civil society organisations in Abuja.
Amupitan said the commission had already concluded its election timetable and schedule of activities based on the existing legal framework but noted that any changes arising from the amended Electoral Act could require adjustments.
“While we have made our submissions to the National Assembly, the passage of the amendment may have implications for certain items in our timetable,” he said. “However, for now, the commission has no choice but to operate within the framework of the subsisting Electoral Act.”
He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing amendment process to provide clarity ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We seek your support in urging the National Assembly to speed up work on the amendment of the Electoral Act,” the INEC chairman said.
Despite the uncertainty, Amupitan said INEC remained fully prepared for the elections and announced plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of 2027.
