Nigeria’s House Summons INEC Chairman Over 2027 Election Preparations

Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Wednesday, October 28, directed Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Professor Joash Amupitan to brief its Committee on Electoral Matters on preparations for the 2027 general elections. The adopted resolution requires the appearance within seven legislative days. Minority Whip Mansur Soro and Deputy Minority Leader Abdussamad Dasuki sponsored the motion. The requested briefing covers continuous voter registration, Permanent Voter Card production and distribution, election logistics and technology, staff recruitment and training, and security planning. Lawmakers also want a budget account showing appropriations, funds released, outstanding releases and the effects of funding gaps. The review is to include the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal. Soro raised concerns about reported shortages of registration equipment and personnel, network disruptions and long waits. He said these problems could impede first-time voters, rural residents, people with disabilities, students and workers. Dasuki called for the review to address participation by voters in insecure areas. The motion initially sought an appearance before the full House. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu favoured scrutiny by the responsible committee, saying, “Our committees are there, charged with the responsibility.” He noted that INEC had publicly discussed its preparations. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the committee-level proposal to a voice vote, and it passed. Abbas said the committee should advertise the appearance so other members could attend and ask questions. No calendar date for the briefing was announced in the reports.