The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pivoted its focus toward the 2027 General Election, launching a high-level Induction and Strategic Retreat in Lagos to fortify its new leadership and operational systems.
Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja from January 9 to 10, 2026, the retreat serves as a masterclass in electoral management for the Commission’s top brass.
The event brought together the newly sworn-in INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), and top management staff to align on a unified vision for the nation’s democratic future.
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Prof. Ayobami Salami, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, welcomed the delegation to Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, describing the retreat as a “defining moment.”
He emphasised that with public expectations at an all-time high, early strategic coordination is the only way to ensure institutional cohesion ahead of 2027.
In his maiden retreat address, Amupitan—who assumed office in October 2025—laid out a strict operating system based on the 2022 Electoral Act.
He identified five core pillars that will define his tenure freedom, fairness, credibility, transparency and inclusivity.
“The rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system,” Amupitan declared, pledging that INEC will strive to become the premier Election Management Body in Africa.
While 2027 remains the ultimate goal, the Chairman revealed a series of immediate “litmus tests” aimed at refining both technology and personnel.
The FCT Area Council elections are scheduled for February 2026, while off-cycle governorship elections are expected in Ekiti and Osun States.
These polls will also serve to fine-tune the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and voter registry management, with a particular focus on building the trust of young, tech-savvy voters.
The Director of Planning and Monitoring, Helen Omozua Ajayi, outlined the 17 critical thematic areas the retreat will tackle, ranging from logistics and election security to internal party democracy.
The goal is to induct new members into the legal and administrative architecture of the Commission while breaking down internal “silos” that hinder efficiency.
As the Commission looks back on the successful conduct of the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, Amupitan urged his team to remain custodians of the will of the Nigerian people, ensuring that every innovation leads to a more transparent and globally respected institution.
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