The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the off-cycle governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 2026, will serve as a critical testing ground for the 2027 general elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this at the opening of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat held in Lagos.

He explained that although the Commission’s ultimate focus remains the 2027 general election, it must first successfully manage a number of important electoral milestones.

According to Prof. Amupitan, the induction and retreat were organised to familiarise newly appointed Commission Members and Resident Electoral Commissioners with INEC’s institutional framework, administrative structure, communication processes, and ethical standards.

“These elections will serve as important testing grounds for refining voter registry management, election logistics, and the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS),” he said.

The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive, as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election.

He added that INEC is deliberately strengthening its leadership capacity, operational systems, and institutional coherence in response to rising public expectations of the electoral process.

Prof. Amupitan stressed that early planning, strategic coordination, and strict adherence to the rule of law would be essential to ensuring the credibility of the 2027 polls.

He also outlined five non-negotiable pillars guiding the Commission’s mandate: elections free from interference; fairness to all political parties and candidates; credibility in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community; transparency at all stages of the electoral process; and inclusivity to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised.

In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, described the retreat as a significant milestone in the Commission’s ongoing institutional development.

Prof. Salami emphasised that early planning, effective coordination, and strong institutional cohesion are indispensable as INEC advances towards the 2027 general election.

He said the engagement provides an opportunity for reflection, strategic alignment, and institutional consolidation at a time when public expectations of the electoral process are higher than ever.