By Habeeb Ibrahim
The House of Representatives has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain its level of preparedness for the 2027 general elections amid concerns over difficulties faced by Nigerians registering to vote.
The lawmakers want the commission to provide a comprehensive briefing on its preparations within seven legislative days, covering voter registration, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution, election logistics, technology, security and funding.
The decision followed a motion sponsored by Mansur Manu Soro and Abdussamad Dasuki, who raised concerns about operational challenges confronting the electoral body.
The House expressed concern over reported problems at Continuous Voter Registration centres across the country, including inadequate equipment and personnel, network disruptions, long waiting times and increasing demand from citizens seeking to register or update their voter information.
The lawmakers warned that the challenges could prevent eligible Nigerians, particularly first-time voters, students, rural residents, workers and persons with disabilities, from fully participating in the electoral process.
They stressed that failure to address the problems could weaken public confidence in INEC and create difficulties for the peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections.
The commission is also expected to provide details of its budgetary allocations, funds released, outstanding payments and the potential impact of funding gaps on its preparations.
Other areas of concern include the recruitment and training of electoral personnel, deployment of election technology, security arrangements and risk assessment.
The lawmakers said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend on adequate voter education, effective logistics, reliable technology, proper personnel training, security coordination and timely release of funds.
They also urged INEC to draw lessons from the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election to improve election administration, logistics management, technology deployment and engagement with stakeholders ahead of the nationwide polls.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed allegations that the Federal Government plans to postpone the January 16 election.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claim as fake news, insisting that the government was not planning to shift the election date.
The denial followed an allegation by the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council that there was an attempt to pressure INEC into changing the electoral timetable.
The council, through its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, urged President Bola Tinubu to abandon any alleged plan to alter the schedule and called on INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to reject any attempt to influence the commission.
The council also cautioned against using the Ebola health emergency as a justification for postponing the election, calling for appropriate health measures to protect voters and election officials.
INEC had yet to publicly respond to the allegation as of the time of filing this report.
