The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described Saturday’s bye-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as an opportunity to test its systems and logistics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the commission would use lessons from the four bye-elections to improve its preparations for the nationwide polls.

Amupitan spoke while monitoring the elections from the commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja on Saturday.

The elections were held in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies of Bauchi State, and Udu State Constituency of Delta State.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, the INEC chairman said every election provided an opportunity for the commission to assess its readiness.

“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” Amupitan said.

He said the commission would use the exercises to assess its logistics, technology and administrative preparations.

According to him, the commission must not treat bye-elections as routine exercises because they provide important lessons that could strengthen future elections.

Amupitan personally monitored reports from the various locations alongside National Commissioners and senior officials of the commission.

He said some operational challenges identified before the elections were addressed promptly.

The INEC chairman said the National Situation Room was also being used to monitor developments and resolve problems that could affect the smooth conduct of the elections.

“We will continue to improve our processes to achieve greater efficiency and build public confidence in future elections,” Amupitan said.

The Kano State Police Command and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have said voting is proceeding smoothly in the ongoing Dawakin Kudu State Constituency by-election in Kano State.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, alongside the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abdu Zango, and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), monitored the election across several polling units in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area on Saturday.

During the monitoring exercise, the delegation assessed the deployment of security personnel, the conduct of INEC officials and voters’ compliance with electoral guidelines.

The Police Command said the election was progressing peacefully, with voters conducting themselves in an orderly manner while security operatives maintained professionalism and neutrality at polling units.

“As at the time of this report, the electoral process is proceeding smoothly, with voters turning out in an orderly manner and security operatives maintaining neutrality and professionalism across all polling locations,” the command said.

The REC commended the police and other ICCES member agencies for working together to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the election.

According to the Police Command, Zango praised the security agencies for their “synergy, professionalism and proactive measures” throughout the exercise.

Bakori also assured residents that security personnel would remain on duty until the collation of results and the official announcement of the election outcome were completed.