INEC Deputy Director of Information, Wilfred Ifogah, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 7, during an appearance on AIT’s Kakaaki programme, identifying logistics and transportation as key priorities for the commission.
Ifogah said INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, had emphasised the importance of timely deployment, warning that delays could create tension and raise suspicion among voters.
“If you don’t, you find out that it creates tension and a lot of suspicion here and there,” Ifogah said.
According to INEC’s election timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
Ifogah said the commission had reviewed logistical challenges recorded during recent off-cycle elections, including those in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory and Ekiti states, as part of efforts to improve preparations for the 2027 polls.
The planned measures come against the backdrop of delays experienced during previous elections. During the August 2026 Osun governorship election, Yiaga Africa reported that officials had arrived at 78 per cent of the 300 polling units it observed by 8:30 a.m., despite voting being scheduled to begin at that time.
INEC guidelines require election officials to arrive at polling units at least one hour before voting begins.
Premium Times also reported concerns over delays in the movement of sensitive election materials after ballot papers and result sheets had to be reprinted following the late inclusion of a candidate.
To strengthen transportation, Ifogah said INEC was engaging the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria. The commission is also developing a transport matrix to coordinate the deployment of personnel and materials.
He urged INEC to establish effective contingency plans for possible transportation failures, noting that logistics could have a significant impact on the credibility of the elections.
The commission also called for stronger measures to support voters with disabilities and commended plans to provide sign-language interpreters for deaf voters.
