The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has highlighted the by-elections held in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta states as critical tests for the nation’s electoral infrastructure ahead of the 2027 general elections. Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan described the events as operational benchmarks, emphasizing their role in evaluating the effectiveness of electoral processes. The by-elections took place on Saturday, with INEC monitoring the process closely from its headquarters in Abuja. Amupitan stressed the importance of these exercises in identifying areas needing improvement before the next major elections. The results are expected to inform preparations for a smoother and more transparent electoral cycle in 2027.