By David Torough, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a systematic integration of National Identification Numbers (NIN) into the national voter register as part of efforts to audit, verify and eliminate irregularities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Acting Chairman of the Commission, Prof.

Rhoda Gumus, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the African Union (AU) Pre-Election Needs Assessment Mission led by former Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen.

Gumus said the exercise, being undertaken in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and through INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration portal, was aimed at ensuring that the voter register meets the highest standards of integrity as the electorate approaches the 100-million mark.

She said INEC was preparing to accredit and facilitate voting across 176,846 polling units, describing the scale of the 2027 election as a major operational undertaking.

“Through our strategic collaboration with the NIMC and the implementation of our continuous voter registration portal, we have systematically integrated NIN to audit, verify, and clean our national voter register,” Gumus said.

She assured Nigerians that the Commission remained committed to neutrality, independence and professionalism, stressing that every administrative decision would be guided by the law and that technology would be deployed to promote transparency.

Gumus said the outcome of the 2027 general election would ultimately reflect the will of Nigerian voters.

She cited recent off-cycle elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti and Osun as important testing grounds for reforms under the new Electoral Act 2026.

According to her, the Osun election recorded more than 94 per cent early-morning logistical opening rates, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) and security arrangements performed optimally.

The Acting Chairman, however, acknowledged that the 2027 polls would present significant technological, logistical and political challenges given the size and diversity of the country.

She therefore called for stronger technical and institutional support from the AU, particularly in digital training for ad hoc election personnel, combating election-related disinformation and deepfakes, strengthening the Election Monitoring and Support Centre, and improving inclusion and gender-mainstreaming.

Earlier, Mekonnen said the AU mission was in Nigeria to assess the country’s overall preparedness for the 2027 elections, identify potential gaps and risks, and determine areas where technical assistance could strengthen the electoral process.

He said the mission would examine the readiness and integrity of the voter register, the deployment of electoral technologies including BVAS and IReV, logistics, funding, security coordination, inclusion of women and young people, dispute-resolution mechanisms and results management.

Mekonnen stressed that timely funding was critical to successful election planning, while also underscoring the need for a credible, transparent and inclusive process that provides a fair playing field for all political actors.

The AU delegation’s engagement with INEC forms part of broader efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral governance in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) said the commission is over 90 per cent set for the forthcoming Sept. 26 Local Government Council Elections in Enugu State.

ENSIEC had scheduled elections into 17 Chairmanship and 260 Councillorship positions in the state.

The Executive Chairman of ENSIEC, Prof.

Christian Ngwu, disclosed this on Monday in Enugu.

Ngwu noted that the commission was already putting finishing touches on every other arrangement and training ahead of the polls.

 “It is only a few things remaining and we are finalising and putting finishing touches on them,” he said.

The chairman said that the commission had trained the trainers of the ad hoc staff, already advertised for the ad hoc staff, while their training would be coming in a few days.

He said that “almost all materials for the elections are ready”.

Ngwu noted that the “non-sensitive materials will be leaving ENSIEC headquarters in Enugu last Thursday, Sept. 17, to council headquarters”.

According to him, the sensitive materials will be received and kept in a safe place for now.

 “We will soon conclude arrangements with transport unions/companies to ensure adequate logistics facilities.

 “The commission is already having a fruitful conclusion of security arrangements with security agencies in the state with the Nigeria Police as lead agency,” he said.

Ngwu said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would soon avail ENSIEC the authentic voters register of the state to work it.

 “I am calling on residents of Enugu State to troop out en masse to cast their votes for their preferred candidates without fear or fear.

 “ENSIEC will continue to provide a level playing field for all candidates in the elections.

 “The commission will provide a conducive and secure environment as well as ensure a peaceful, hitch-free, transparent and credible elections come Sept. 26 in the state,” he said.

He said that the commission had pasted notice of election in local government areas, which contained awareness on how to vote correctly and positive behavioural conduct expected during and after casting one’s vote.

It would be recalled that candidates from 11 political parties would be participating in the polls.

ENSIEC had two weeks ago concluded a train-the-trainer workshop for its officials, which included: 17 Electoral Officers (EOs) for each of the 17 council areas, 17 Assistant Electoral Officers, seven directors, five commissioners and an administrative secretary.

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Association of South-East Igbo Winds has thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising aggressive grassroots mobilisation across the 11 electoral wards of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group made its position known during an engagement with the APC candidate for Karu/Gitata Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr.

Abraham Habu Ekpo, on Saturday in Mararaba, where members described him as a credible, dependable and people-oriented politician capable of providing effective representation.

The association said Ekpo’s character, credibility and direct engagement with residents had strengthened its confidence in his candidacy, declaring its readiness to mobilise support for him and other APC candidates across the council.

Speaking during the engagement, Ekpo thanked the group for its support and commitment to the APC, saying his decision to contest on the party’s platform was informed by his belief in its progressive ideals and development-oriented agenda.

“Progress is about propelling growth, bringing development, advancing the cause of humanity and giving it dignity. That is why we are part of the progressives,” he said.

Ekpo said his ambition was driven by a desire to contribute to the development of Karu and promote policies that would place the people at the centre of governance.

“My ambition was driven by a desire to contribute to the development of Karu and promote a government that places people at the centre of its policies,” he said.

The candidate also promised to pursue greater inclusion for residents who have lived, worked and contributed to the economic growth of Karu, irrespective of their states of origin.

According to him, people who make meaningful contributions to the development of a community deserve a sense of belonging and should not be treated as outsiders.

He said inclusion would form a key part of his legislative agenda if elected into the Nasarawa State House of Assembly in 2027.

Ekpo further canvassed support for the APC, arguing that the Nasarawa State Government under the party had recorded achievements in infrastructure, road construction and peace-building across the state.

He cited the ongoing flyover project in Mararaba among projects he said the APC could showcase to voters as evidence of its development agenda.

The APC candidate also stressed the importance of sustaining relative peace in the state, saying a peaceful environment was necessary for economic growth, investment and meaningful development.

He urged residents of Karu to support the APC and its candidates in the 2027 elections.

Members of the Igbo association expressed confidence in Ekpo, describing him as a politician whose character, credibility and dependability had earned their trust.

They commended him for engaging directly with the members, saying the interaction had further strengthened their resolve to support his political ambition.

The group declared that its commitment would extend beyond verbal support, promising coordinated mobilisation across the 11 electoral wards of Karu.

“In all these 11 wards, we are prepared and ready to follow the APC. We are ready to support you and all other candidates going forward,” the members declared.