The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has prioritized procurement reform as an integral basis for delivering credible and transparent elections, this aligns with the body’s resolve to adequately firm up the process for proper functionality of the system ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The INEC boss made this assertion on Monday, 30th March 2026, while declaring opened a three-day capacity building workshop on procurement for National Electoral Commissioners and members of the Commission’s Management team.
The workshop held in Lagos in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), witnessed the formal unveiling of the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, signalling the Commission’s early and deliberate approach to planning.
Declaring the workshop open on his behalf, National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, conveyed the INEC Chairman’s position that strengthening procurement systems is integral to sustaining public confidence in the electoral process.
Prof. Amupitan noted that the evolving nature of electoral management demands proactive leadership, institutional discipline and alignment with global best practices.
“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,” he stated.
He emphasised that procurement, often viewed as a routine administrative function, is in reality the backbone of electoral operations.
From ballot materials and technology to logistics, training and deployment, he explained that every stage of the electoral value chain depends on transparent and efficient procurement processes.
“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,” the Chairman said.
“Our responsibility encompasses the entire electoral value chain. Each component must function optimally to guarantee credible, transparent and verifiable elections.”
Reflecting on his 159 days in office, Prof. Amupitan described the period as a defining phase for consolidating reforms and repositioning the Commission for future challenges, stressing that capacity building must be continuous and institutionalised, not episodic.
“Our work is not just about conducting elections; it is about ensuring that the democratic process thrives in our great nation,” he added.
“Capacity building is not a one-time effort but a continuous process that equips the Commission to respond effectively to emerging electoral challenges.”
The INEC Chairman further 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.
According to him, the compressed timeline requires meticulous planning, accelerated procurement cycles and seamless coordination across departments.
“This compressed timeline is not a challenge to be lamented but a reality to be mastered,” he said. “It requires efficiency, precision and strict adherence to due process. There is no room for delay and no margin for error.”
In line with the new legal framework, Prof. Amupitan announced that Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, 6th February 2027.
He explained that the early release of the timetable provides clarity and predictability for political parties, candidates, security agencies and the electorate, while giving the Commission sufficient lead time to procure sensitive and non-sensitive materials, deploy technology and train personnel.
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“Transparency begins with certainty,” the Chairman noted. “By releasing this timetable well in advance, we are reinforcing our commitment to professionalism, preparedness and credibility.”
In his welcome address, the Resident Representative of KAS in Nigeria, Mr. Tobias Ruettershof, commended INEC for prioritising procurement capacity at a critical stage in the electoral cycle. He observed that credible elections are anchored on strong institutions and transparent systems.
“The credibility of elections does not begin on election day,” he stated.
“It begins with planning, logistics and administration. If procurement is transparent and efficient, it strengthens the integrity of the entire electoral process.”
Delivering the keynote address entitled “Managing Procurement Risks in Sensitive Electoral Operations”, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale A. Adeline, described procurement as a strategic national function central to democratic stability.
He urged the 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.
“Every election is a test not only of the electoral body but of the systems that support it,” he said. “When procurement is done right, it strengthens trust in democracy.”
The workshop brought together National Electoral Commissioners, Directors and senior officials of the Commission, alongside development partners and invited experts.
