2027 Election: INEC Strengthens Preparedness, Commissions BVAS Facility in Kogi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commissioned a newly constructed Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) storage facility in Lokoja, Kogi State, as part of efforts to strengthen technological and operational preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, commissioned the facility on Thursday, November 5, during his North-Central zonal readiness assessment and nationwide consultations with electoral stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Amupitan said the facility was designed to address challenges associated with improper storage, inadequate cooling systems and maintenance of BVAS devices.
He explained that dedicated storage facilities across states would ensure appropriate operating conditions, preserve battery life, improve device performance and extend the lifespan of the electoral technology.
The chairman expressed satisfaction with the quality of the facility, particularly its foundation, structural protection, electrical connections and equipment installations. He, however, directed relevant officials to work with the Commission’s ICT Department to address outstanding requirements, including the installation and relocation of equipment racks.
He congratulated the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner and management of the state office for the initiative, describing the facility as an important addition to the state’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
Earlier, the INEC chairman visited the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, where he sought their support and royal blessings for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
Received by the Attah Igala and Chairman of the Council, His Royal Majesty, Dr Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, alongside the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammad, and the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, among other traditional rulers, Amupitan described the engagement as an important part of the Commission’s nationwide stakeholder consultations.
He identified traditional institutions as critical partners in the electoral process, stressing that INEC could not independently guarantee peaceful elections without the cooperation of community leaders.
Amupitan specifically appealed to the royal fathers to support voter mobilisation and PVC collection, discourage electoral violence and political thuggery, and help combat misinformation and disinformation.
On voter participation, he disclosed that the Commission was decentralising PVC collection across the 774 local government areas, including all 21 LGAs in Kogi State, with collection points brought closer to eligible voters at ward level.
He urged traditional rulers to encourage eligible citizens to collect their PVCs and participate actively in the electoral process.
The INEC chairman also warned against the growing threat of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes, fabricated media content and deliberately circulated false information capable of misleading voters and undermining public confidence in elections.
He urged traditional institutions to collaborate with INEC offices at the state and local government levels to verify information before disseminating it within their communities.
Reaffirming the Commission’s neutrality, Amupitan declared that INEC had no candidate and would ensure that all lawful votes cast by Nigerians were accurately counted and declared.
He added that the Commission was auditing, upgrading and securing its technological infrastructure, including BVAS devices, while strengthening collaboration with security agencies to guarantee adequate security for the elections.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammad, expressed the Council’s support for the INEC chairman and pledged cooperation in promoting peaceful coexistence, responsible political participation and credible elections.
He also urged the Commission to uphold fairness, transparency, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law.
In another engagement, Amupitan met with INEC personnel in Kogi State at the Professor Mahmood Yakubu State Collation Centre, Lokoja, to assess their operational preparedness and address concerns ahead of the elections.
The meeting brought together National Commissioners, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, administrative secretary, heads of departments, electoral officers and other personnel.
The chairman emphasised the importance of professionalism, effective logistics, technological efficiency and coordination among staff, noting that the successful conduct of the elections would depend largely on their commitment and performance at state and local government levels.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Shehu L. Wahab, described the chairman’s visit as a morale booster and a demonstration of the Commission’s commitment to assessing grassroots preparedness.
Wahab, who said he was deployed to Kogi State in April 2026, reaffirmed the state office’s zero tolerance for partisanship and operational complacency, adding that personnel across the 21 local government areas were expected to maintain high professional standards.
Staff representatives also highlighted the importance of improved welfare in sustaining motivation, professionalism and resistance to undue external influence.
Amupitan further disclosed that INEC had completed nine of the 14 major operational milestones outlined in its timetable and schedule of activities, while Nigeria’s voter register had increased to more than 103 million registered citizens.
He said the Commission would continue strengthening its infrastructure, personnel capacity and stakeholder partnerships to deliver peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive elections in 2027.
By TimesNG