The electoral commission says the deployment will cover more than 176,000 polling units as it strengthens logistics, technology and voter access ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans to deploy about 1.4 million ad hoc personnel across more than 176,000 polling units for the 2027 general election as the commission intensifies preparations for the polls.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI), led by its president, Dan Twining, in Abuja.
The IRI delegation is in Nigeria from August 11 to 21 for a pre-election assessment mission focused on evaluating INEC’s preparedness and identifying areas where international collaboration and technical support could strengthen the electoral process.
Amupitan said the commission was also strengthening logistics, expanding early deployment strategies and improving coordination with transport unions to ensure the timely movement of election materials and personnel.
INEC strengthens election logistics
The INEC chairman described the IRI mission as timely, coming shortly after the Osun governorship election and ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general election.
He said recent off-cycle elections and legislative by-elections had provided opportunities to test the commission’s electoral technology, logistics and security arrangements.
According to Amupitan, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal have maintained high operational reliability, with result-upload rates exceeding 98 per cent in recent elections.
The commission has also continued to improve voter registration through online registration and continuous updates to the voters’ register, while working to improve the accuracy of voter records.
INEC has previously said the integrity of the voters’ register remains central to credible elections and announced plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of 2027.
INEC targets inclusive voting
Amupitan said the commission would expand measures to make voting more accessible to persons with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly voters.
He also identified misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence as emerging threats to electoral integrity.
According to him, INEC has established an AI-focused unit to develop protocols for the responsible use of technology and counter false information capable of undermining public confidence in elections.
The commission has repeatedly stressed the importance of public vigilance and stakeholder cooperation as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
INEC highlights neutrality ahead of 2027
Amupitan reiterated that INEC would remain neutral and would have no preference for any political party or candidate.
He said the commission’s responsibility was to conduct elections that reflect the will of Nigerians, citing recent off-cycle elections as part of its efforts to deliver credible and peaceful polls.
He also acknowledged the need to improve voter turnout in future elections, an issue INEC has identified in previous polls. Following the 2026 FCT Area Council election, the commission reported that turnout rose from 9.4 per cent in 2022 to approximately 15 per cent, but said more work was needed to deepen voter engagement and confidence.
INEC formally fixed the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
IRI offers support for 2027 elections
Twining said the IRI mission was aimed at supporting a competitive, peaceful and credible electoral process in Nigeria.
He said the delegation would assess INEC’s preparations, identify potential challenges and explore how the international community could support Nigeria’s democratic process.
“We know how committed Nigerians are to exercising their democratic rights,” Twining said.
“Our interest is a competitive, peaceful and credible election in Nigeria, and we look forward to learning how we can support that objective.”
The assessment comes as INEC moves towards the 2027 elections, with the commission expected to manage one of the largest electoral operations in the country’s history.
