Amupitan urged participants to engage fully with the expert sessions, share experiences, and adopt innovative strategies.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has welcomed stakeholders to a three-day capacity-building workshop in Lagos, describing it as a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.

CBI News reports that the workshop is aimed at enhancing the skills and effectiveness of National Electoral Commissioners and senior management staff.

Professor Amupitan expressed appreciation to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung for its technical support, noting that the collaboration underscores a shared commitment to institutional development and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

He stated that the Commission is operating at a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey, revealing that it has been 159 days since he assumed office.

According to him, the Commission’s core responsibility is to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral framework is not only well-designed but also effectively implemented.

The INEC Chairman highlighted the significance of the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, which has introduced major adjustments to the electoral timeline, and explained that the reduction of the Notice of Election period from 360 to 300 days now requires the Commission to operate with greater speed, efficiency, and precision.

Professor Amupitan also announced the revised timetable for the 2027 general elections. Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

He urged participants to actively engage in the workshop, share insights, and embrace innovative strategies, particularly in procurement and electoral management, emphasizing that continuous learning and collaboration remain vital to delivering credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, while wishing all attendees productive deliberations.