The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the bye-elections held in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta States have provided vital operational lessons as the Commission steps up preparations for the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, described the elections as an important dress rehearsal for the 2027 polls, saying every electoral exercise provides an opportunity to test the Commission’s logistics, technology and field readiness.
Amupitan spoke on Saturday while personally monitoring the elections from INEC’s National Situation Room at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Commission conducted four legislative bye-elections: the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State; Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano; Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies in Bauchi; and Udu State Constituency in Delta.
According to the INEC Chairman, the Commission must not treat any election as routine, regardless of its size, as each exercise provides an opportunity to identify gaps and improve its preparations for larger elections.
He said the latest polls allowed INEC to assess its logistics framework, test its technological deployment and evaluate the readiness of its field operations.
Amupitan also disclosed that administrative and field challenges identified before polling were swiftly addressed, describing proactive monitoring and crisis resolution as key responsibilities of the Situation Room.
He said INEC would continue to refine its processes to ensure that subsequent elections meet higher standards of efficiency and contribute to greater public confidence in the electoral process.
The Chairman, who monitored the elections alongside National Commissioners and senior management officials, also commended the technical team for ensuring seamless monitoring of the multi-state exercise.