INEC Complies with Electoral Act, Publishes Voter Register Online

Responding to public concerns, the Independent National Electoral Commission complied with the Electoral Act by publishing the voter register online, though a few days short of the expected 90 days before the 2027 general elections. It was published 81 days before the election billed to hold on January 16 2027.

INEC acted after facing heavy criticism for failing to publish the voter register online. Although the register was displayed at registration areas from 9 to 15 October 2026, analysts noted that access was limited to working hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In a statement on Monday night, titled “Update on the Display and Publication of the Preliminary Register of Voters for the 2027 General Election” and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), the electoral umpire said it had taken note of concerns expressed by Nigerians and other stakeholders to make the register available through its online platform and, in furtherance of its commitment to transparency and public confidence in the electoral process, had decided to publish the voter register on its website.

The statement reads: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to provide an update on the display of the Preliminary Register of Voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“In accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the Commission conducted the physical display of the Register at Registration Areas nationwide from 9th  to 15th  October, 2026, providing registered voters the opportunity to inspect their particulars and submit claims and objections as prescribed by law.

“The Commission has taken note of the concerns expressed by Nigerians and other stakeholders regarding the desirability of making the Register accessible through its online platform in addition to the physical display already conducted.

“Accordingly, and in furtherance of its commitment to transparency, accessibility and public confidence in the electoral process, the Commission has decided to make available on its online platform, display.inecnigeria.org, the same Preliminary Register of Voters earlier displayed at the Registration Areas. 

“This additional measure complements the physical display already undertaken and is intended to facilitate wider public access to the Register. Meanwhile, the Commission continues to process claims and objections arising from the exercise in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026, preparatory to the certification and publication of the Final Register of Voters on 15th December 2026.

“The Commission appreciates the continued interest and constructive engagement of Nigerians and stakeholders and reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability and the faithful implementation of the Electoral Act, 2026 in delivering credible elections.”

Pat Utomi, Others React

Soon after INEC posted the voter register on its website, Nigerians on social media began picking holes, highlighting repeated names, deceased persons, duplicate National Identity Numbers, and even pointing out names that were AI-generated.

Such findings are unsurprising because the register is still preliminary. INEC is expected to address them, along with other claims and objections, before the elections. Political parties and other stakeholders should also commit time and resources to reviewing the register and help ensure a credible final version for the elections.

Prof Pat Utomi wrote on his X handle that “INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. The presence of AI-generated images in a register meant to support our democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability. Our democracy is at stake here!”