By George Mgbeleke
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the completion of nine out of the 14 key activities contained in its revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, as it seeks enhanced technical cooperation with the United Kingdom to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, and his delegation to the commission on Wednesday.

Amupitan said the commission had moved beyond the planning stage and was now implementing critical operational activities to ensure adequate preparations for the 2027 polls.

He explained that INEC was intensifying efforts to strengthen the national register of voters through continuous voter registration, data verification, transfer of voters and the removal of ineligible entries.

The chairman also disclosed that the nationwide collection and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were ongoing as part of measures to ensure eligible Nigerians could exercise their franchise during the elections.

According to him, political parties had also completed the submission of their candidates for the 2027 general elections in compliance with the Electoral Act and relevant statutory deadlines.

He further noted that preparations were progressing across the six geopolitical zones, with the commission focused on ensuring effective coordination and operational readiness ahead of the polls.

On electoral technology, Amupitan said INEC was prioritising improvements to the reliability and efficiency of its existing technological infrastructure, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of election results.

He stressed that the commission was more interested in strengthening existing systems than introducing an entirely new technological framework ahead of the elections.

The INEC chairman identified cybersecurity, specialised training for electoral personnel, strategic communication, voter education and combating misinformation as critical areas where the commission would benefit from additional technical support from the United Kingdom.

He also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with security agencies to guarantee the safety of electoral officials, facilities and sensitive election materials throughout the electoral process.

Addressing concerns over voter apathy, particularly among young people, women and persons with disabilities, Amupitan said the commission was pursuing initiatives aimed at promoting broader participation and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.

He specifically highlighted a university debate initiative being implemented across the country’s six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to stimulate political awareness among young Nigerians and encourage their involvement in democratic governance.

Earlier, the British High Commissioner, Peter Vowles, said his visit was aimed at gaining a better understanding of INEC’s mandate, responsibilities and level of preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

Vowles, who disclosed that he had spent approximately eight weeks in Nigeria, described the country’s democratic development as significant not only to its estimated 240 million citizens but also to the wider West African region and the international community.

He noted that the 2027 general elections would offer Nigeria an important opportunity to demonstrate how democratic institutions could function effectively in a large and diverse society.

The British envoy reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development, expressing interesthis response, Amupitan described the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom as one founded on shared interests and a common commitment to democracy, electoral integrity and institutional development.

By Abubakar Mohammed,Sokoto

The Department of State Services (DSS), Sokoto State Office, has tendered an apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, and its Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Nasir Bello, over the alleged assault on him at the Sokoto State Government House.

The apology was conveyed by a high-level delegation comprising three Deputy Directors of the Service and the Chief Detail of the Sokoto State Government House, who visited the NUJ leadership to express regret over the incident.

During the visit, the delegation stressed that it was never the intention or directive of the Service to humiliate, intimidate or harass any journalist carrying out legitimate professional duties.

The DSS representatives assured the Council that such an incident would not recur and disclosed that appropriate administrative sanctions would be taken against the personnel involved.

They also acknowledged the cordial working relationship between the Service and the media, expressing their commitment to strengthening and sustaining the existing relationship.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, the NUJ Sokoto State Council said it appreciates the apology and assurances offered by the DSS.

The Council described the apology as an important step towards addressing the incident and preventing a recurrence.

It reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible journalism and maintaining a professional relationship with security agencies and other stakeholders.

However, the Council emphasised that the safety, dignity and freedom of journalists must be respected at all times, particularly in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Bello, a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was allegedly assaulted while covering a solidarity rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Aliyu at Government House, Sokoto.

The NUJ had earlier condemned the incident, demanded an investigation and called for medical attention and compensation for its Secretary.

By Abubakar Mohammed,Sokoto

The Department of State Services (DSS), Sokoto State Office, has tendered an apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, and its Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Nasir Bello, over the alleged assault on him at the Sokoto State Government House.

The apology was conveyed by a high-level delegation comprising three Deputy Directors of the Service and the Chief Detail of the Sokoto State Government House, who visited the NUJ leadership to express regret over the incident.

During the visit, the delegation stressed that it was never the intention or directive of the Service to humiliate, intimidate or harass any journalist carrying out legitimate professional duties.

The DSS representatives assured the Council that such an incident would not recur and disclosed that appropriate administrative sanctions would be taken against the personnel involved.

They also acknowledged the cordial working relationship between the Service and the media, expressing their commitment to strengthening and sustaining the existing relationship.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, the NUJ Sokoto State Council said it appreciates the apology and assurances offered by the DSS.

The Council described the apology as an important step towards addressing the incident and preventing a recurrence.

It reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible journalism and maintaining a professional relationship with security agencies and other stakeholders.

However, the Council emphasised that the safety, dignity and freedom of journalists must be respected at all times, particularly in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Bello, a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was allegedly assaulted while covering a solidarity rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Aliyu at Government House, Sokoto.

The NUJ had earlier condemned the incident, demanded an investigation and called for medical attention and compensation for its Secretary.