As preparations gradually gather momentum for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has led a high-level delegation to South Korea to observe the country’s local government elections and study global best practices in election administration.
The visit forms part of INEC’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral processes and deepen its understanding of emerging trends in election management ahead of the next nationwide polls.
According to the Commission’s Daily Bulletin released on Saturday, Prof. Amupitan is accompanied by National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu; Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman, Prof. Dimis Mai-Lafia; and Director of Training, Dr. Binta Kasim Mohammed.
The delegation is participating in the International Election Observation Programme (IEOP), organised by South Korea’s National Election Commission (NEC) in conjunction with the country’s Nationwide Simultaneous Local Elections scheduled to run from May 29 to June 5, 2026.
The opening ceremony of the programme was held in Seoul and attracted election management bodies, electoral experts, and international observers from several countries.
As part of the observation exercise, the INEC delegation visited an early voting centre in Mia-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, where they monitored voting procedures and electoral operations firsthand.
INEC said the visit would provide valuable insights into election administration, voter management, electoral technology, and international observation standards.
The commission noted that exposure to South Korea’s electoral system would help strengthen its capacity to deliver credible elections and reinforce democratic governance in Nigeria.
The study tour comes at a time when political activities across Nigeria are beginning to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders already calling for improvements in voter registration, election technology, logistics, and result management.
South Korea is widely regarded as one of Asia’s most technologically advanced democracies, with an electoral system known for its efficiency, transparency, and high voter participation rates.
For INEC, the engagement offers an opportunity to compare operational models, exchange experiences with global counterparts, and identify innovations that could enhance electoral integrity and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The commission said its participation reflects a broader commitment to continuous institutional learning and the adoption of international best practices aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral system ahead of 2027.
