Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a new version of the Roadster sports car fitted with thrusters during a livestreamed event at a SpaceX facility in Texas on Thursday, describing the vehicle as a “flying” car.

Streamed live on Tesla’s X account, the demonstration showed the Roadster launching from a steep ramp before returning to land on its wheels. Musk said the car is powered by “ultra high-pressure air tanks” that propel it into the air, calling the project an example of what happens “when you have a collaboration with the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company” — a reference to Tesla and SpaceX.

“Flying cars are real,” Musk told the audience, though he tempered expectations by noting the vehicle’s “success is not guaranteed,” adding that “it will probably work.” He said the car is slated to enter production in 2028.

The unveiling comes as the broader flying car industry continues to grapple with significant technical and regulatory hurdles that have slowed development and commercial rollout. Despite drawing considerable interest from technology firms and investors in recent years, concerns over safety, engineering demands and regulatory approval remain substantial barriers to widespread adoption.

Flying cars are not a new concept American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss debuted the first prototype in 1917 but the idea has only been taken more seriously in recent years as advances in electric motors and high-performance batteries have made the technology increasingly feasible.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing renewed pressure from political parties, civil society organisations, and election observers over concerns surrounding the integrity of the national voter register as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

Stakeholders have raised questions about the accuracy, inclusiveness, and transparency of the current voter database, urging the electoral body to implement urgent reforms to restore public confidence ahead of the next major electoral cycle.

Calls for reform have become more pronounced following past elections where logistical challenges, technical glitches, and voter accreditation issues affected polling processes in several parts of the country. Many stakeholders argue that addressing these concerns early is critical to ensuring credible elections in 2027.

Political parties across the spectrum have expressed varying levels of concern. Opposition groups insist that a credible voter register is essential to guaranteeing free and fair elections, while the ruling party maintains that INEC has made significant improvements in recent electoral exercises, particularly with the introduction of technology-driven accreditation systems.

Civil society organisations monitoring electoral processes have also called for independent audits of the voter register. They argue that periodic verification and cleanup of the database will help eliminate duplicate registrations, outdated records, and other inconsistencies that could undermine election credibility.

INEC has continued to defend its processes, stating that it remains committed to ensuring transparency and efficiency in voter registration and election management. The commission has also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand voter access, particularly among young Nigerians and first-time voters.

Electoral analysts note that trust in the electoral process remains a major factor influencing voter participation in Nigeria. They warn that any perceived weaknesses in the voter register could discourage turnout and fuel post-election disputes.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, attention is increasingly shifting toward institutional readiness, electoral logistics, and legal frameworks governing the process. Experts say early intervention in voter register issues will be critical in preventing avoidable challenges during the election period.

Meanwhile, political parties are ramping up mobilization efforts across the country, with voter registration campaigns and grassroots engagement strategies expected to intensify in the coming months.

With growing scrutiny on INEC, the commission is expected to come under sustained pressure to demonstrate transparency, strengthen its systems, and reassure Nigerians that the next general elections will reflect the true will of the electorate.

The coming months are likely to test both the resilience of Nigeria’s electoral institutions and the confidence of citizens in the democratic process as preparations for 2027 continue to gather momentum.