The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the recent bye-elections held in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as important operational exercises that will help strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the elections provided the commission with an opportunity to assess its logistics, technology and administrative preparedness ahead of the nationwide polls.
The bye-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 INEC would use the experience gained from the exercises to identify areas that require improvement and strengthen its systems ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that bye-elections should not be regarded as routine exercises, as each poll provides an opportunity for the commission to test its electoral processes under real conditions.
The INEC chairman also said operational and administrative challenges identified before the polls were addressed, adding that the commission would continue to refine its processes to improve efficiency and public confidence.
INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The commission said lessons from the four-state bye-elections would form part of its continuing preparations for the 2027 general elections.
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