2027: INEC Says It Has Addressed Problems That Damaged Trust in 2023 Poll

• INEC says it has introduced improvements to prevent a repeat of the problems that undermined confidence in the 2023 presidential election, while urging young Nigerians to participate in the 2027 polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has taken steps to address shortcomings that damaged public confidence in the 2023 presidential election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission gave the assurance on Thursday, November 5, during a stakeholders’ roundtable on voter education and youth participation organised by Kimpact Development Initiative in Abuja.

INEC’s Deputy Director of Voter Education, Paula Iwenjiora, acknowledged that the commission’s handling of the previous presidential poll had weakened public trust.

Iwenjiora, who represented the Director of Voter Education, said improvements had been introduced to strengthen the electoral process.

She attributed some of the difficulties experienced during the presidential election to heavy traffic on the commission’s website, adding that subsequent improvements were made during the governorship elections.

The INEC official also urged young Nigerians to translate their interest in political discussions into active electoral participation.

She warned that staying away from voting would leave decisions affecting their future to others, stressing the importance of participation beyond social media.

On electoral offences, Iwenjiora said technology, including drones, would be used to help capture evidence of activities such as vote-buying.

Speaking at the event, Kimpact Development Initiative Executive Director Bukola Idowu identified declining institutional trust, misinformation, economic pressures and insecurity as barriers to youth participation.

He also highlighted inadequate voter education and urged young people not to allow dissatisfaction with the system to prevent them from exercising their electoral rights.

Idowu said credible elections required both strong institutions and citizens willing to participate, warning that disengagement could reduce young Nigerians’ influence over government policies and priorities.

INEC’s comments represent its assurance about preparations for the next election. The reports of the event did not provide a detailed technical assessment demonstrating that every problem experienced in 2023 had been resolved.