The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is preparing for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general election, emphasizing the need to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, highlighted the importance of leadership continuity based on purpose, integrity, and vision, while acknowledging the challenge of maintaining public trust amid misinformation. The commission is undertaking a strategic retreat to set directions for the upcoming elections, reinforcing its commitment to free and transparent elections. Additionally, the Permanent Voter Cards for those registered during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise are still under processing, with data verification ongoing to ensure credibility and accuracy in the voter register. INEC is enhancing its registration efforts to improve access, especially for rural residents, while ensuring all registrants comply with biometric capture requirements.