INEC Flags Multi-Level Collation as Top Threat to Nigeria’s Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has flagged multi-level collation of results as the biggest threat to Nigeria’s elections, requiring presiding officers to upload images of completed Form EC8A and submit party scores directly into the system.

According to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been upgraded with safeguards to prevent manipulation of results transmitted to the INEC Result Viewing Portal, (IReV).

The upgraded BVAS was tested successfully in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Area Council, Kano, and Rivers State elections, Amupitan said, warning that staff negligence or indiscipline would be sanctioned.

Amupitan stated that the 2027 General Election timetable will be revised following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026. The commission also intends to update the voter register and enhance voter education, encouraging citizens to verify their polling units.

He described the FCT Area Council elections as peaceful but noted low turnout. Claims of fresh voter migration were dismissed, with the commission resending Polling Unit Locator links and re-displaying the register in affected areas to assist voters. Despite early hiccups, voting concluded in all units.