The electoral commission says its new data-driven tracker will allow headquarters to monitor election readiness across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to deploy a real-time operational tracker to monitor preparations for the 2027 general election across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed the development on Monday, September 7, 2026, during a two-day Strategic Operational Workshop for Administrative Secretaries in Lagos.
How The Tracker Will Work
According to the commission, the Administrative Secretary Master Operational Tracker Template will provide real-time information on the readiness of INEC’s state offices.
The system will be connected to the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC), allowing the commission’s headquarters to monitor key preparations from a central location.
These include the distribution of election materials and staff training across the states.
The initiative is designed to help INEC identify potential operational problems before they affect election delivery.
Amupitan Demands Greater Discipline
Amupitan urged Administrative Secretaries to adopt strict operational discipline and eliminate inconsistencies in preparations for the 2027 poll.
He described the officials as the “engine room” of the commission’s operations at the state level.
The INEC chairman also said lessons from recent off-cycle elections, particularly the Osun governorship election, should be used to improve preparations for the nationwide election.
Preparing For 2027
The introduction of the tracker represents part of INEC’s broader effort to improve election administration and strengthen coordination between its headquarters and state offices.
The commission is expected to handle a large logistical operation covering thousands of polling units, election personnel, sensitive materials and voter-related processes.
A real-time monitoring system could therefore help the commission identify delays or gaps earlier and respond more quickly.
Why It Matters
The 2027 general election is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most politically competitive elections in recent years.
With political parties already beginning campaigns and candidate structures taking shape, INEC’s ability to prepare effectively will be crucial to public confidence in the electoral process.
The commission says its new operational approach is intended to move election management from reactive responses to more proactive planning.