ABUJA — As Nigeria readies for the 2027 General Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a major overhaul of its procurement processes to ensure transparency, efficiency, and public confidence.
The move was highlighted at a three-day Capacity Building Workshop for National Electoral Commissioners and senior management, held Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).
Speaking through National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said procurement is “the backbone of electoral operations,” crucial for everything from ballot materials and technology to logistics and personnel deployment.
The workshop also unveiled the revised timetable for the 2027 elections: Presidential and National Assembly polls are slated for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027. Prof. Amupitan said the early release of the timetable allows adequate time for procurement, technology deployment, and staff training.
Dr. Adebowale A. Adeline, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, described procurement as “a strategic national function vital for democratic stability,” urging INEC to adopt technology-driven solutions, diversify suppliers, and enforce strict compliance.
The Resident Representative of KAS in Nigeria, Tobias Ruettershof, praised the Commission for prioritising procurement as a cornerstone for credible elections.
The workshop brought together top electoral officials, development partners, and experts focused on deepening leadership capacity, reinforcing INEC’s preparedness, and building public trust in the 2027 electoral process.
“Every election tests not just the electoral body, but the systems that support it. When procurement is done right, it strengthens trust in democracy,” Dr. Adeline added.
