The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described Saturday’s bye-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as important operational exercises ahead of the 2027 General Election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the elections would help the Commission identify lessons and assess its preparedness for the 2027 polls.

Amupitan spoke while overseeing the Commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.

The Commission conducted four legislative bye-elections across the four states, covering Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies in Bauchi State, and Udu State Constituency in Delta State.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan said every off-cycle election formed part of the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 general election.

He said the exercises enabled INEC to assess its logistics, technology and administrative readiness while identifying areas requiring improvement.

The INEC chairman, who was accompanied by National Commissioners and senior management officials, monitored reports from the four states as voting and other electoral activities progressed.

Amupitan said the Commission also addressed operational challenges identified before the elections, adding that monitoring and resolving emerging issues remained key responsibilities of the Situation Room.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the technical team and other officials to monitor the multi-state elections and assess field operations.

Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to improving its processes and maintaining electoral integrity ahead of subsequent elections.