2027 Elections: INEC Begins Distribution of Non-Sensitive Materials to Zonal Offices

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of non-sensitive election materials to some of its zonal offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC National Commissioner, Professor Rhoda Gumus, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Gumus said the commission had concluded nine activities on its election preparation schedule, adding that most non-sensitive materials were ready, with some already dispatched to different zones.

“In fact, today as we speak here, the non-sensitive materials have been lifted to some zones now,” she said.

She explained that a recent assessment tour covering the six geopolitical zones indicated that the commission was making progress towards delivering the 2027 elections.

According to her, the production of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has been completed, while most states have received the first two batches of the cards, with distribution and collection ongoing.

She urged registered voters who were yet to collect their PVCs to do so, warning that failure to obtain the cards could prevent them from participating in the elections.

The INEC commissioner also disclosed that training of election personnel was ongoing, while procurement and deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were progressing.

On diaspora voting, Gumus said Nigerians living abroad would not be allowed to participate in the 2027 general elections because the existing Electoral Act does not provide for out-of-country voting.

“We cannot go on for the diaspora voting for now until we amend the electoral law,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina, who led the visiting delegation, said the team was in Nigeria to study the country’s electoral preparations ahead of Kenya’s August 2027 general elections.

He said the delegation was particularly interested in Nigeria’s electoral processes, including diaspora and special voting arrangements.

Parashina disclosed that Kenya was considering expanding the number of countries where its citizens abroad could vote from approximately 12 to 26, in line with its Constitution and relevant court decisions.

Describing Nigeria’s 2027 elections as significant to the continent, he said their outcome would attract attention across Africa.

“Everyone is looking at what Nigeria will do because it is the biggest democracy in Africa. The success of Nigeria remains a great success to Kenya and indeed to the continent,” he said.