INEC harps on procurement reforms for credible, transparent 2027 General Elections

*Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, emphasises the significance of procurement reforms as the core of the Commission’s institutional readiness for next year’s General Elections in Nigeria

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has emphasised the strategic importance of procurement reforms as the core of the Commission’s institutional readiness.

Prof. Amupitan described procurement reforms as a “decisive pillar” for delivering credible and transparent elections in Nigeria.

NCC congratulates Tinubu at 74, lauds administration’s digital innovation blueprint for economy

The Chairman of INEC stated this Monday, March 30, 2026, in his address at the opening of a three-day Capacity Building Workshop on Procurement for National Electoral Commissioners and members of the Commission’s Management team, holding on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The electoral body disclosed the Capacity Building Workshop on Procurement is being organised in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).

ConsumerConnect reports INEC disclosed the workshop aimed at deepening leadership capacity, promoting best practices and strengthening its institutional preparedness towards the 2027 General Elections.

The Commission also stated the workshop has witnessed the formal unveiling of the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections, signalling the Commission’s early and deliberate approach to planning.

Prof. Amupitan, represented at the workshop by Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, National Commissioner, stressed that strengthening procurement systems is integral to sustaining public confidence in the electoral process.

Amupitan further noted that the evolving nature of electoral management demands proactive leadership, institutional discipline and alignment with global best practices.

He said: “The evolving nature of electoral management requires that we continually build our institutional capacity, strengthen our leadership processes, and align with global best practices to sustain credible elections.”

The Chairman of the Commission noted that procurement, often viewed as a routine administrative function, is in reality the backbone of electoral operations in the country.

Procurement should be handled with integrity, says Amupitan

Amupitan said from ballot materials, technology, logistics, training to deployment, every stage of the electoral value chain is dependent on transparent and efficient procurement processes.

The Chairman stated: “When procurement is handled with integrity, it becomes the bedrock of public confidence. When it is compromised, it becomes the fault line through which trust collapses.

“Our responsibility encompasses the entire electoral value chain. Each component must function optimally to guarantee credible, transparent and verifiable elections.”

In regard to his 159 days in office, Prof. Amupitan described the period thus far as a defining phase for consolidating reforms and repositioning the Commission for future challenges.

He stressed that capacity building must be continuous and institutionalised, not episodic.

He further explained: “Our work is not just about conducting elections; it is about ensuring that the democratic process thrives in our great nation.

“Capacity building is not a one-time effort but a continuous process that equips the Commission to respond effectively to emerging electoral challenges.”

Besides, Amupitan highlighted the significance of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly the amendment to Clause 28, which reduced the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 to 300 days.

The compressed timeline, he noted, requires meticulous planning, accelerated procurement cycles and seamless coordination across departments.

Amupitan stated: “This compressed timeline is not a challenge to be lamented but a reality to be mastered.

“It requires efficiency, precision and strict adherence to due process. There is no room for delay and no margin for error.”

On importance of early release of election timetable

In accordance with the new legal framework, Prof. Amupitan as well announced that Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

The Chairman of the Commission explained that the early release of the timetable provides clarity and predictability for political parties, candidates, security agencies and the electorate.

Aside from these, he noted the announcement would afford the Commission sufficient time to procure sensitive and non-sensitive materials, deploy technology and train personnel.

Amupitan said: “Transparency begins with certainty. By releasing this timetable well in advance, we are reinforcing our commitment to professionalism, preparedness and credibility.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Tobias Ruettershof, Resident Representative of KAS in Nigeria, had commended INEC for prioritising procurement capacity at a critical stage in the electoral cycle.

Ruettershof observed that credible elections are anchored on strong institutions and transparent systems.

He also said: “The credibility of elections does not begin on election day.

“It begins with planning, logistics and administration.

“If procurement is transparent and efficient, it strengthens the integrity of the entire electoral process.”

BPP Chief: Procurement is strategic, central to democratic stability

Likewise, Dr. Adebowale A. Adeline, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), in his keynote address at the workshop, titled: “Managing Procurement Risks in Sensitive Electoral Operations”, described procurement as a strategic national function central to democratic stability.

Dr. Adeline urged the electoral Commission to adopt technology-driven solutions, diversify suppliers, ensure strict compliance with regulations and strengthen internal controls to mitigate risks associated with technology acquisition, vendor dependency, and global supply chain disruptions.

He also stated: “Every election is a test not only of the electoral body but of the systems that support it.

“When procurement is done right, it strengthens trust in democracy.”

The Commission said the workshop attracted National Electoral Commissioners, Directors and Senior Officials of INEC, alongside development partners and invited experts.

Kindly Share This Story