As the 2027 general elections approach, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up efforts to clean up Nigeria’s voters’ register. The commission is using biometric checks and public display of the register to identify and remove fake or duplicate voter records.
The Nigeria 2027 voters register cleanup also involves correcting false voter details and removing fake or altered photographs. However, INEC still faces challenges such as staff misconduct, administrative problems, election security and public trust.
INEC reportedly removed 1,608,660 invalid voter records and 873 records belonging to deceased persons during its October review exercise. The commission is also using technology to detect duplicate registrations and fake photographs. INEC is expected to release the final voters’ register on December 15, 2026. The register currently contains more than 103 million voters.
Nigeria 2027 voters register cleanup
INEC has also raised concerns about irregularities involving some of its registration officers. The commission confirmed that 54 officials across 10 states were flagged over serious irregularities.
Investigations reportedly uncovered questionable voter records, including entries with unusual or AI-generated photographs. These findings raised concerns about weaknesses in the registration process.
As part of the Nigeria 2027 voters register cleanup, INEC has introduced stricter supervision, staff training and digital checks to prevent similar problems during future voter registration exercises.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to appear as a defence witness in the ongoing trial of human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore.
The court also directed INEC to produce past nomination forms and related affidavits needed for the case The order adds to the commission’s responsibilities as it continues preparations for the 2027 general elections.
As part of the Nigeria 2027 voters register cleanup, INEC has also warned politicians against making statements that could encourage violence during the election period. The commission condemned slogans such as “rig and die”, warning that they could threaten public safety and peaceful elections.
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