The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its exclusive constitutional mandate to collate and declare election results ahead of the 2027 general election.
Gatekeepers News reports that the commission also cautioned that emerging digital reporting tools must not undermine its authority, warning against the spread of misinformation in the electoral process.
Speaking in Abuja at the launch of the Situation Room Electoral Accountability Tracker (SEAT) by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Sam Olumekun, chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, said while technology enhances citizen participation, it also poses risks.
“INEC remains the only authority legally empowered to collate and declare election results,” Olumekun said, stressing that platforms such as the tracker should complement, not challenge, the commission’s constitutional role.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria said it would collaborate with stakeholders to support credible and inclusive elections.
The High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, and his deputy, Gill Lever, held meetings with political leaders and INEC officials to discuss developments in Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement posted on its X handle, the mission said: “We look forward to working with all parties and the international community to support inclusive and credible elections.”
Also speaking at the event, Dipo Olayoku, national treasurer of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), expressed concerns among political parties about the current electoral environment, warning that prevailing conditions could affect the competitiveness of the 2027 polls.
On security, Abayomi Shogunle, commissioner of police in charge of election planning, monitoring and evaluation, said the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would utilise the platform to strengthen election monitoring and response.
Similarly, Ayibakuro Matthew, governance adviser at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said the initiative underscores the need for active citizen participation beyond election day.
“The initiative reflects a growing recognition that democratic accountability requires active citizen engagement,” he said, adding that the platform’s success would depend on trust, transparency and responsible use of information.
As part of ongoing engagement efforts, the UK delegation also visited key political figures, including Benjamin Kalu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, to discuss Nigeria’s political and democratic landscape.
