News
INEC To Conduct Mock Presidential Election Ahead 2027
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering a mock presidential election ahead of the 2027 polls to test voter accreditation, result transmission and result viewing under conditions similar to actual election day.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the call Wednesday in Abuja while speaking at the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).
Amupitan, whose keynote address was delivered by National Commissioner, Sani Adam, SAN, said the credibility of the electoral process does not depend on Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result sheets, but also on how information about electoral processes was understood and trusted by Nigerians.
He called for the integration of electoral technology and communication as a single discipline ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that artificial intelligence-driven disinformation poses a major threat to the credibility of the polls.
On the growing use of artificial intelligence to manipulate information, the INEC chairman said generative AI had made the production of fake videos, audio recordings and images cheaper and increasingly difficult to detect.
He cited cases of manipulated political content circulated during recent elections in West and East Africa, including doctored materials linked to Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election.
Amupitan warned that such materials could reach millions of social media users before fact-checkers were able to verify them.
He said the threat went beyond outright fabrication, noting that algorithmic micro-targeting could allow different and sometimes contradictory messages to be delivered to specific segments of the electorate without a common factual basis.
“The challenge before us is therefore not merely technological. It is communicative,” he said, stressing the need for closer coordination between electoral technology and public communication.
On preparations for the 2027 elections, Amupitan said INEC had proposed a substantial budget with significant allocations for election technology and operations.
He said the proposal included funds for new accreditation devices to replace those lost or damaged during the last electoral cycle.
The chairman, however, said the full release of the funds was still being awaited, although the commission’s ICT team had commenced engagements with manufacturers on the procurement process.
He added that preparations for the technology audit and proposed mock election were continuing alongside the budget process.
The conference, held at the National Open University Conference Centre, Abuja, had as its theme: “Media, Technology and Elections in Africa: Navigating Digital Disruption and the New Dynamics of Electoral Communication.”
The INEC chairman said the deployment of BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) was intended to address a longstanding credibility gap by allowing citizens to view polling unit results before they were taken to collation centres.
He, however, acknowledged that the 2023 general elections demonstrated how electoral technology could become a source of public suspicion when systems failed or did not perform as expected.
According to him, electoral legitimacy could only be sustained when technological systems were reliable, properly understood by citizens and when their shortcomings were openly explained disclosing that the commission is conducting a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology infrastructure, including system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery arrangements.
Amupitan outlined a five-point strategy for strengthening the commission’s response to the emerging information challenges.
He called for the integration of technology and communication planning; establishment of a rapid-response mechanism capable of countering false information within the same news cycle; proactive communication about known vulnerabilities and safeguards; stronger partnerships with media scholars, fact-checkers and technology platforms; and sustained investment in public media literacy.
The INEC chairman invited ACSPN and other communication scholars to establish structured partnerships with INEC on media literacy research, detection of synthetic content and training for journalists and civic educators.
Amupitan said the electorate for the 2027 elections would be younger and more reliant on mobile technology than previous generations, with smartphones likely to become the primary channel through which many voters would receive election-related information.
He, however, cautioned against simply copying technological solutions adopted in other countries, saying such measures must be adapted to Nigeria’s realities, including uneven internet access, language diversity and the level of public trust in institutions.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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