The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified electoral disinformation, difficult geographical terrain and inadequate voter awareness as major challenges requiring stronger regional cooperation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, raised the concerns while receiving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission at the commission’s headquarters.

He urged ECOWAS to support Nigeria in developing effective responses to sophisticated disinformation campaigns, improving election logistics in difficult-to-access communities and expanding voter education to ensure greater participation in the democratic process.

Amupitan also called for stronger diplomatic engagement with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote peaceful political activities and respect for democratic principles.

He maintained that the responsibility for credible elections extends beyond the electoral commission, stressing that political parties, the media, civil society organisations and security agencies all have critical roles to play.

According to him, political parties must embrace internal democracy and peaceful campaigns, while the media must demonstrate responsibility by combating fake news and digital manipulation. Security agencies, he added, must maintain neutrality in providing electoral security.

The INEC chairman further acknowledged ECOWAS’ contribution to Nigeria’s electoral development through the deployment of long-term and short-term election observation missions, whose independent assessments help strengthen confidence in the democratic process.

On preparations for the 2027 elections, Amupitan disclosed that INEC had completed nine of the 14 major statutory milestones outlined in its revised election timetable.

He added that the three phases of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise had been concluded, while the preliminary voters’ register had been displayed at ward levels nationwide and uploaded to the commission’s online portal for public scrutiny.

The final register of voters, he said, is scheduled for certification on December 15, 2026.

Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting elections in accordance with the rule of law and ensuring that the sovereign will of Nigerians is respected.

He noted that strengthening electoral integrity in Nigeria would also contribute to democratic stability across the West African sub-region.