INEC Begins BVAS Tests Ahead Of 2027 Elections, Assures Nigerians Of Credible Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that it is taking practical steps to ensure the 2027 general elections are free, fair, inclusive and credible.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, gave the assurance on Friday in Akure at the 2026 edition of The Convocation, a political programme themed, “Electioneering and the Future of Nigeria’s Democracy.”

Agboke, represented by the Head of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, Olayinka Ogunseye, said INEC had commenced testing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices to be deployed for the 2027 elections.

He disclosed that the commission would conduct a test run, similar to a mock election, in November as part of preparations for the polls.

“We want to assure Nigerians that INEC is working towards an election that would be free, fair, inclusive and acceptable,” Agboke stated.

He added that the commission would intensify voter education and sensitisation ahead of the elections to promote greater participation and awareness among citizens.

Speaking at the event, the Ondo State Chairman of the Young Progressives Party, Dotun Ojon, urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, saying elections determine how the country is governed.

Ojon said the YPP was already preparing for the 2027 elections, with a focus on winning seats in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly rather than concentrating solely on the presidential poll.

A former Ondo State Commissioner for Sports, Dayo Awude, identified the high cost of electioneering and lack of internal democracy within political parties as challenges requiring attention, while urging stakeholders not to lose faith in the electoral process.

The convener of the programme, Henry Olonimoyo, called for continuous dialogue and civic engagement, particularly among young Nigerians, warning that growing disillusionment with democracy could affect participation. He said platforms such as The Convocation would allow citizens to engage elected officials and other leaders on issues affecting the country.