INEC CHAIRMAN COMMISSIONS BVAS STORAGE FACILITY IN KOGI, SEEKS TRADITIONAL RULERS’ SUPPORT FOR PEACEFUL 2027 ELECTIONS

INEC CHAIRMAN COMMISSIONS BVAS STORAGE FACILITY IN KOGI, SEEKS TRADITIONAL RULERS’ SUPPORT FOR PEACEFUL 2027 ELECTIONS

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has commissioned a newly constructed Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) storage facility in Lokoja, Kogi State, as part of the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 General Election.

The commissioning, which took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, formed part of the Chairman’s North-Central Zonal Readiness Assessment and nationwide interactive engagements with staff and stakeholders ahead of the January 16 and February 6, 2027 elections.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Professor Amupitan explained that the facility was designed to address operational challenges associated with the storage and maintenance of BVAS devices, particularly those arising from improper storage conditions and inadequate cooling systems.

He noted that the Commission had identified the need for dedicated storage facilities across states to ensure that the devices are kept under appropriate conditions, maintain optimal performance, preserve battery life and extend their operational lifespan.
According to him, the initiative is part of the Commission’s broader efforts to strengthen technological reliability and ensure effective deployment of election technology for the forthcoming elections.

The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the facility and formally commissioned it for use during the 2027 General Election, charging the relevant officials to ensure that it serves its intended purpose.
He also acknowledged the attention given to the quality of construction, particularly the foundation, structural protection, electrical connections and equipment installations. He disclosed that the Commission would continue working with its ICT Department to address additional requirements, including the relocation and installation of equipment racks.

Professor Amupitan congratulated the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner and the management of the state office on the initiative, describing the facility as an important addition to the state’s electoral preparedness.

Earlier, the INEC Chairman paid a courtesy visit to the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, where he solicited the support and royal blessings of traditional institutions for the successful conduct of peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2027.

Describing the visit as a homecoming, the Chairman said it was important to pay homage to traditional rulers before undertaking a major national assignment in his home state.
The delegation was received by the President and Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, the Attah Igala, alongside the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammad; the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, and other traditional rulers across the state.

Professor Amupitan explained that the engagement was part of the Commission’s nationwide consultations and readiness assessments, with the North-Central zone representing the final phase of its zonal assessment tours.
He emphasised that traditional rulers remained critical partners in the electoral process because of their influence and authority within their respective communities, noting that the Commission could not independently guarantee peaceful elections without the cooperation of community leaders and other stakeholders.