The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections, directing officials to close operational gaps, maintain neutrality and address weaknesses that could affect the credibility of the polls.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the directive on Monday in Kaduna during the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 elections.

The meeting is part of the commission’s six-zone national tour to assess its level of preparedness, identify challenges affecting field operations and develop solutions ahead of the elections.

Amupitan said the exercise was aimed at strengthening the foundations of Nigeria’s electoral process, stressing that the success of elections ultimately depends on activities at the grassroots.

He said electoral officials must pay particular attention to Local Government Areas, Registration Area Centres and polling units, where they interact directly with voters.

“The true success of any election is not decided solely in the meeting rooms of our headquarters in Abuja. It is decided in the field,” he said.

The INEC chairman urged staff to use the zonal engagement to identify practical challenges in their areas and work with the commission’s headquarters to resolve them before election day.

He said INEC was applying lessons from recent elections as it prepares for the larger national assignment in 2027.

Amupitan also warned officials against partisan conduct and administrative negligence, stressing that their neutrality and professionalism would be crucial to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, INEC has scheduled October 9 for the commencement of the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.