By Sunday Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rated its preparedness for the 2027 general elections in Ogun State as “excellent”, saying it is upgrading electoral technology, logistics and operational systems ahead of the polls.
The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview section.
Ibiyemi said INEC was reviewing previous elections, including the 2023 general elections and the Osun State election, to identify areas requiring improvement.
“Today in Ogun State, the level of preparedness I can rate it as excellent,” she said, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to free, fair and credible elections.
She added that INEC would continue to assess its electoral processes and implement improvements based on lessons from previous exercises.
On electoral technology, the REC said INEC had updated its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and was also working to improve the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
She acknowledged that network challenges could affect digital systems but said the Commission had backup arrangements and trained technical personnel to respond to equipment failures.
“We call them RAPEX. They are technicians who have been well trained on how to put those equipment in order,” she said.
The disclosure followed a caller’s suggestion that INEC deploy additional technology, including cameras at polling units and collation centres, to strengthen transparency and monitoring during elections.
Ibiyemi also disclosed that some INEC facilities had been renovated to provide better working conditions and protect election materials from damage.
She said the renovations were particularly important during the rainy season, noting that sensitive and non-sensitive materials needed to be properly stored ahead of the polls.
On candidates for the 2027 elections, the REC said INEC had displayed the current list but could update it where lawful substitutions were approved.
She explained that substitutions could occur under circumstances permitted by law, including the death or withdrawal of a candidate within the prescribed period.
Ibiyemi also stressed the importance of early deployment of security personnel to facilitate the movement of election materials and protect ad-hoc officials.
She said INEC had engaged the police through the inter-agency election security framework to encourage timely deployment.
“If police came early, materials would be deployed on time,” she said.
The REC said INEC would continue reviewing its systems, upgrading equipment and working with relevant stakeholders to address logistical and operational challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.
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