The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has procured 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices as part of efforts to strengthen electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission also warned against attacks on its officials, stressing the need to protect electoral personnel and equipment as preparations for the polls continue.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed that the newly acquired devices had undergone technical improvements, including software security upgrades, battery optimisation and biometric calibration.

He explained that the enhancements were designed to prevent accreditation bypasses, reduce opportunities for manipulation and improve the reliability of the voting process.

The commission said it was also strengthening its technological infrastructure and cybersecurity systems to safeguard election procedures and improve operational efficiency.

As part of its preparations, INEC is conducting nationwide readiness assessments, equipment audits and stress tests to identify potential challenges before election day. The commission is also planning a mock accreditation exercise to test its technology ahead of the polls.

Amupitan said lessons from previous elections were informing improvements in logistics, personnel deployment and technology. He expressed the goal of ensuring that voting begins across polling units nationwide at the same time, supported by effective logistics and properly functioning equipment.

The commission has also started procuring and distributing non-sensitive election materials to state offices and acquired additional operational vehicles to facilitate the movement of personnel and materials.

INEC further said it was working with security agencies and other relevant institutions to address threats that could undermine the electoral process, including electoral violence, vote-buying and other forms of malpractice.

The electoral body reiterated that safeguarding its personnel and equipment was essential to delivering credible elections and urged Nigerians to support the commission’s preparations for the 2027 polls.