The Independent National Electoral Commission has described the recent legislative bye-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as practical tests that will shape its preparations for the 2027 general election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the assessment on Saturday while monitoring the polls from the Commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.
The elections covered 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.
Amupitan said the Commission would use the experience from the exercises to review its logistics, technological systems and field-level administrative preparedness ahead of the nationwide polls.
“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” he said.
He cautioned against treating bye-elections as routine exercises, noting that each poll provides an opportunity for INEC to identify weaknesses and improve its electoral processes before the larger national contest.
According to him, the Situation Room is also designed to support early intervention when administrative or operational difficulties emerge.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution,” Amupitan said.
He added that challenges identified before polling were addressed by the Commission, while assuring Nigerians that INEC would continue refining its processes to improve efficiency and public confidence.
The chairman monitored reports from the affected states alongside National Commissioners and senior management officials as voting and other field operations progressed.
The five legislative seats contested in the four states were scheduled for September 19, 2026, as part of INEC’s off-cycle electoral programme.
INEC: Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, Delta bye-elections provide lessons for 2027
