RismadarVoice Reporters
November 5, 2026
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, has urged Nigeria to use the 2027 general elections to show how a strong democracy can work effectively in a large, diverse country.
Vowles made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
The envoy, who disclosed that he had been in Nigeria for approximately eight weeks, said the visit was intended to familiarise himself with INEC’s operations and preparations for the forthcoming elections.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s democratic development remained important to its citizens, the West African sub-region and the wider international community.
According to him, the 2027 elections present an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate the strength of its democratic institutions and electoral processes.
Responding, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent, peaceful and inclusive elections.
Amupitan said restoring public confidence, strengthening electoral technology and protecting the integrity of the voting process remained central priorities.
He disclosed that INEC had completed nine of the 14 key activities outlined in its revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.
The chairman explained that preparations had progressed from strategic planning to the implementation of operational activities across the country.
He said the commission was strengthening the voter register through continuous registration, verification, voter transfers and the removal of ineligible entries.
Amupitan also highlighted ongoing Permanent Voter Card collection and distribution efforts aimed at increasing electoral participation.
On technology, he said INEC was prioritising improvements to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and election result transmission processes.
He identified cybersecurity, specialised personnel training, voter education and measures against misinformation as areas requiring stronger cooperation with the United Kingdom.
The INEC chairman also expressed concern about artificial intelligence-driven manipulation and foreign interference in electoral information.
He acknowledged Britain’s longstanding technical assistance to Nigeria’s electoral institutions and called for continued collaboration ahead of the polls.
Amupitan further stressed the importance of inclusive participation, particularly among young people, women and persons with disabilities.
He assured the visiting delegation that the commission would continue strengthening its operational arrangements and addressing weaknesses identified in previous elections.
The meeting underscored both countries’ stated commitment to electoral cooperation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
