“We’re addressing every flaw that undermined past elections in Niger” — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Niger State has assured residents that it is addressing the shortcomings that affected previous elections, expressing confidence that the 2027 general elections will be more credible, transparent, inclusive and secure, with no eligible voter disenfranchised.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in the state, Dr Oliver Tersoo Agundu, gave the assurance during an interactive session with civil society organisations (CSOs) and journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Minna.

Agundu said the commission had identified logistical and operational gaps witnessed in previous elections and was implementing measures to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.

According to him, credible elections can only be achieved when they are inclusive and participatory, stressing that eligible voters must feel safe enough to come out and cast their ballots.

He disclosed that INEC was working closely with security agencies in Niger State to ensure adequate security before, during and after the elections.

On internally displaced persons, IDPs, Agundu said the commission was developing modalities to ensure they were not excluded from the electoral process adding that INEC has visited all security agencies in the state for collaboration towards success 2027 polls .

“No eligible Nigerian will be disenfranchised,” he assured.

The REC added that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) would receive greater support during elections, noting that the commission successfully tested the Braille ballot guide during the engagement, with a visually impaired participant confirming its effectiveness.

He urged eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) which will enable them participate in the election.

Agundu further disclosed that over 2.63 million PVCs had been collected in Niger State since 2023, while more than 69,000 PVCs remained unclaimed despite the ongoing registration and collection exercise.

He appealed to registered voters yet to collect their PCs to do so, stressing, ” the voter card remains the only means of participating in the 2027 general elections”.