The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for expanded collaboration with the United Kingdom in election technology, cybersecurity, voter education and electoral security as it steps up preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Prof. Amupitan described the United Kingdom as one of Nigeria’s enduring democratic partners, noting that years of cooperation have evolved from election observation and technical assistance to broader institutional support aimed at strengthening democratic governance.
He disclosed that despite a compressed electoral timetable, INEC has continued to make steady progress towards the 2027 elections through improvements in electoral technology, enhanced cybersecurity systems and expanded voter registration initiatives.
Highlighting the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, the INEC Chairman explained that the Commission recently approved a two-week extension to enable more eligible Nigerians to enrol before the statutory deadline.
“We extended the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is denied the opportunity to register, while still complying with the legal timelines required for publishing the voters’ register ahead of the elections,” Amupitan said.
He explained that the Commission has expanded its digital services by enabling prospective voters to begin their registration online before completing the process physically at designated registration centres.
Prof. Amupitan further revealed that INEC has upgraded its voter accreditation and election result management systems while carrying out comprehensive cybersecurity assessments, including penetration testing, software resilience evaluations and disaster recovery planning, to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
According to him, the Commission is also working closely with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure the protection of election personnel, facilities and voters before, during and after elections.
He added that regular consultations with political parties, civil society organisations and the media remain central to the Commission’s strategy for promoting peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
Identifying priority areas for future collaboration, the INEC Chairman called for stronger Nigeria-UK cooperation in election technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, combating misinformation and disinformation, crisis communication, conflict prevention, civic education and programmes that promote the participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities in the electoral process.
He also advocated increased opportunities for knowledge exchange and specialised capacity-building programmes for election officials.
“We value our partnership with the United Kingdom and look forward to deepening cooperation in election technology, cybersecurity, voter education and the fight against misinformation as we prepare for the 2027 General Elections,” he stated.
Earlier, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions, describing the relationship between both countries as a strategic and enduring partnership.
He said the visit formed part of ongoing engagements with INEC aimed at gaining a better understanding of the Commission’s preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 General Elections.
“We regard ourselves as partners in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Our engagement reflects not only our moral support but also our commitment to practical cooperation in strengthening democratic institutions,” Montgomery said.
The envoy noted that bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom have continued to expand across key sectors, including trade, security, governance, migration and justice.
Montgomery, who disclosed that he would conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria in about six weeks, expressed optimism that his successor would sustain the strong working relationship with INEC and continue supporting the Commission as preparations for the 2027 elections progress.
