By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described Saturday’s four legislative by-elections across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as crucial operational benchmarks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, stated this while personally monitoring the elections from the Commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.
The bye-elections were held in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State; Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State; and Udu State Constituency of Delta State.
Amupitan said the Commission would not treat any election as routine, stressing that each electoral exercise provides an opportunity to assess its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” he said.
The INEC chairman added that the elections would enable the Commission to review its logistics, test its technological systems and assess the readiness of its field personnel and administrative structures.
He said operational challenges identified before polling were promptly addressed, assuring Nigerians that the Commission remained committed to improving the efficiency and credibility of the electoral process.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution,” Amupitan said.
He noted that the Situation Room received operational reports from the various states throughout the exercise, enabling the Commission to assess field performance and address emerging challenges.
The INEC chairman was accompanied by National Commissioners and senior management officials during the monitoring exercise.
He also commended the technical team and other officials who participated in the monitoring process for ensuring seamless coordination of the multi-state elections.
