The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a specialised facility for the storage and maintenance of its election technology equipment in Kogi State as part of efforts to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, commissioned the facility in Lokoja on Thursday, saying the initiative was aimed at improving the safety, durability and operational efficiency of critical election equipment ahead of the polls.
The facility will accommodate thousands of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, which play a central role in biometric voter accreditation and the electronic transmission of election results.
Speaking at the event, Amupitan said INEC was taking deliberate steps to address operational challenges and ensure that its technology was effectively deployed during the elections.
He revealed that nine of the 14 major operational milestones on the commission’s election timetable had been completed.
The development follows concerns over the deterioration of BVAS equipment due to improper storage, inadequate cooling and battery-related challenges, making appropriate maintenance infrastructure essential to the commission’s preparations.
INEC is also working towards providing dedicated storage and maintenance facilities across the 36 states to ensure the equipment remains functional ahead of election day.
As part of his engagements in Kogi, Amupitan met with the state Council of Traditional Rulers, where he sought their collaboration in preventing electoral violence, encouraging voter participation and addressing the spread of election-related misinformation.
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers led by the Attah Igala, Matthew Akpa, and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ahmed Muhammad.
The INEC chairman expressed concern over the growing use of artificial intelligence to generate deepfake videos and other misleading content, warning that coordinated disinformation campaigns could distort public perception and threaten confidence in the electoral process.
He urged traditional rulers to use their positions and influence to discourage political thuggery, particularly among young people, and promote peaceful participation in the elections.
Amupitan also called on community leaders to encourage residents to verify information before sharing election-related messages, noting that traditional institutions could play an important role in checking the spread of false information at the grassroots.
Responding, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland pledged the council’s support for peaceful elections but charged INEC to uphold transparency, neutrality and the rule of law in discharging its responsibilities.
The commission’s chairman subsequently met with electoral personnel at the Kogi State collation centre, where the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Shehu Wahab, assured him of the staff’s commitment to impartiality and professionalism.
Wahab declared zero tolerance for partisanship, while staff representatives called for sustained logistical support and improved welfare to strengthen their ability to withstand external pressures.
Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are scheduled for January 16 and February 6, with the electoral commission facing the task of delivering a credible process for a voter population exceeding 103 million, according to the report.
The latest initiatives highlight INEC’s focus on technology protection, institutional preparedness and community engagement as it works towards the forthcoming elections.