2027: INEC Begins BVAS Configuration, Airlifts Election Materials To States

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the configuration of its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and begun the nationwide movement of non-sensitive election materials as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

The development signals an acceleration of the commission’s logistical and technological preparations ahead of the polls, with Nigerian Air Force aircraft already transporting election materials to different states.

Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed the developments in an interview with Journalists in Abuja on Saturday, saying the configuration of the BVAS machines had commenced because of the time required to complete the process.

He said the commission could not afford to delay the exercise, given the technical preparations involved in getting the machines ready for deployment.

Haruna also disclosed that the distribution of non-sensitive election materials was underway, with the Nigerian Air Force providing airlift support to facilitate their movement across the country.

The early movement of election materials comes as INEC intensifies its assessment of preparedness across the six geopolitical zones, particularly in identifying logistical gaps and challenges that could affect the smooth conduct of the elections.

An INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, had earlier disclosed that the commission had commenced moving non-sensitive materials to some zones following a review of its level of preparedness.

Gumus, who spoke during a meeting with a delegation from Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in Abuja, said the commission had completed nine scheduled activities under its electoral preparations.

She explained that the zonal assessment was designed to establish the level of readiness, identify challenges and determine areas requiring urgent attention before the elections.

Under INEC’s timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to end on January 14, while those for the governorship and state Assembly elections will close on February 4.

With BVAS configuration and logistical preparations underway, the commission faces the task of ensuring that its technology, personnel and election materials are fully ready ahead of the January and February 2027 polls.