The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a mock presidential election ahead of the 2027 general polls.
This exercise is aimed at testing its electronic transmission system and restoring public confidence in election technology.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja.
He said the commission would simulate a presidential poll to examine the performance of its digital platforms before the real election.
INEC also released the official timetable for the 2027 elections. According to the commission, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027. Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
The chairman said the mock exercise would focus on the electronic transmission of results using the BVAS and the Result Viewing Portal.
He noted that past technical failures damaged public trust and must not be repeated.
“I am committed to even having a mock presidential election. You see, the delicate thing about technology is if a technology is designed without being properly tested. We don’t have issues with transmission to IREV in respect of the elections. We are doing everything possible to make sure that we test whatever we have. I did not say that technology will not be used,” he said
