INEC Strengthens 2027 Election Readiness
….Adopts 16-Point Action Plan
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded a two-day strategic capacity-building workshop for its Administrative Secretaries, with a renewed focus on strengthening state-level coordination, accountability and operational preparedness for the 2027 General Election.
The workshop, held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, ended on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, charging Administrative Secretaries to translate the knowledge and practical tools gained into measurable improvements in election administration across the country.
The workshop, organised with the support of DAI, the European Union (EU) and DGM, brought together Administrative Secretaries from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside relevant INEC officials, facilitators and resource persons.
The engagement was designed to enhance the capacity of Administrative Secretaries to effectively translate Commission policies into state-level implementation while identifying and addressing operational bottlenecks ahead of the 2027 polls.
Key areas examined included staff supervision, logistics and electoral material deployment, election technology, management of ad hoc personnel, security preparedness, infrastructure, monitoring and evaluation.
A major outcome of the workshop was the adoption of a 16-point communiqué containing recommendations aimed at closing identified operational gaps and improving INEC’s preparedness for the 2027 elections.
The recommendations included clearer delineation of the roles and responsibilities of Resident Electoral Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries, early identification of security and logistical hotspots, improved staff deployment and stronger transportation arrangements.
Participants also called for effective reverse logistics and timely assessment of critical electoral infrastructure.
On technology, the communiqué recommended that states incorporate technology readiness into their operational plans, covering equipment, personnel, connectivity, power supply, system testing, technical support and contingency arrangements.
The participants further recommended regular mock accreditation exercises, resource-management simulations and technology audits, with identified technical and operational deficiencies to be properly documented, escalated and resolved before election day.
The workshop also identified gaps in the recruitment, training, deployment and performance monitoring of ad hoc election personnel.
To address the challenge, participants recommended stronger end-to-end management of ad hoc staff through effective integration of relevant INEC systems.
They also proposed the establishment of a strategic pool of trained and experienced ad hoc personnel, subject to clearly defined eligibility, performance and ethical standards, as well as continuous capacity development and performance tracking.
The Commission said the recommendations would help strengthen operational effectiveness and accountability as preparations intensify for the 2027 General Election.
