Nigeria’s electoral system has recorded savings of over ₦1.1 trillion following procurement reforms, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) steps up preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The figure was revealed at a stakeholders’ workshop in Lagos, where the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adekunle, highlighted procurement as a key driver of credible elections.
He described it as the “hidden engine of electoral integrity,” noting that reforms have delivered “savings exceeding ₦1.1 trillion through improved price intelligence.”
Adekunle added that more than 2,700 professionals have been certified to strengthen procurement systems, warning that lapses in the process could undermine public trust.
“Every election is a test not only of the electoral body but of the systems that support it,” he said.
INEC also confirmed its timetable for the 2027 elections, with presidential and National Assembly polls set for January 16, and governorship elections scheduled for February 6.
Speaking at the event, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan stressed the need for stronger institutional frameworks to support credible elections.
“My primary mandate is to ensure that the electoral architecture of Nigeria is not just robust in theory but strong in practice,” he said.
He described procurement as the “invisible architecture” of elections, warning that when compromised, it becomes “the fault line through which trust collapses.”
Amupitan also noted that the new Electoral Act 2026, which shortens the election timeline, requires faster and more efficient processes.
“This compressed timeline requires us to work with the efficiency of a well-calibrated machine… there is no room for delay, no margin for error,” he said.
Stakeholders further warned against over-reliance on single suppliers, with Adekunle cautioning:
“A resilient democracy must never outsource its sovereignty.”
INEC said the reforms are aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.
