INEC Moves to Plug Electoral Loopholes, Bolsters Cybersecurity Ahead of 2027 Polls
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said that cases of irregularities in the voters’ register supported by digital records and evidence will be investigated and acted upon.
The Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated that the Electoral Act provides mechanisms for addressing imperfections in the voters’ register, including complaints, objections and claims.
Responding to concerns about possible loopholes in the register, Amupitan cited Section 19 of the Electoral Act, noting that the law recognises the possibility of errors, particularly given the country’s large voting population.
“The law recognizes that there could be some form of imperfections. Mind you, we are managing over 100 million registered voters. So that is why there is this gap for complaint, objections, and claims,” he said.
He explained that the ongoing process was designed to identify and expose irregularities, adding that individuals with verifiable digital evidence of such incidents should pursue appropriate action.
“Those that happen currently, that were able to have a digital log, digital evidence, must proceed against them,” he said.
The INEC Chairman also disclosed that the Commission had undertaken a review of its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and cybersecurity framework during its meeting on Monday as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.
He described the recent incidents as an opportunity for the Commission to identify potential vulnerabilities and strengthen its preparedness.
“Sometimes when you see like this happen, you take it in good faith, because it’s an early warning for you to be on your guard,” he said.
According to him, INEC is implementing critical measures to safeguard its systems and electoral processes, although some of the interventions cannot be made public.
On the demand for early voting opportunities for journalists, electoral officials and other personnel assigned election duties, Amupitan acknowledged that those involved in election administration also deserve the opportunity to exercise their voting rights.
He disclosed that INEC had proposed provisions for early voting during the process of amending the Electoral Act, but the proposal did not receive the backing of the National Assembly.
“Everybody would like to vote, you want to exercise your franchise,” he said.
He maintained that early voting was not currently recognised under the country’s electoral laws, stressing the need for sustained advocacy to secure its eventual inclusion.
“This is still not known to our law, but it’s going to still be a process of advocacy to ensure that this is done,” he said.
Amupitan added that he had continued to push for the proposal since assuming office, expressing optimism that the issue would eventually receive legislative attention.
“Hopefully it will be addressed one day,” he said.
