Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to make the preliminary voters’ register accessible to the public, demanding the immediate publication of the list containing more than 103 million registered voters ahead of the 2027 general election.
Key Highlights
- Atiku accuses INEC of failing to publish the preliminary register of over 103 million voters.
- Voters who checked INEC’s portal during the October 9–15 inspection period allegedly found an empty page.
- He demands the register be published by local government area, area council and ward.
- Atiku raises concerns over Section 63(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 on counting unmarked ballot papers.
- He asks INEC to disclose the firms contracted to print sensitive election materials.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said Nigerians who attempted to inspect the register through INEC’s online portal during the commission’s announced October 9–15 inspection period were allegedly confronted with an empty page.
He described the situation as unacceptable, warning that voters could be denied the opportunity to identify missing names, challenge suspected fraudulent entries and correct errors before the elections.
The former vice-president made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
“INEC has announced more than 103 million registered voters. Nigerians went to its portal to inspect the names and found an empty page. That is an outrage,” Atiku said.
“A figure cannot answer an objection. A press announcement cannot tell a voter whether her name has been omitted. Show Nigerians the register.”
Conflicting Statements On Register Display
Atiku’s demand comes after INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced on October 5 that the national voters’ register had exceeded 103 million following the completion of the three-phase Continuous Voter Registration exercise and biometric clean-up.
The commission subsequently announced October 9 to 15 as the period for displaying the preliminary register for claims and objections ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, Atiku questioned whether the exercise actually took place as announced, citing conflicting statements attributed to the commission’s leadership.
He said the INEC chairman had reportedly indicated on October 5 that the public display of the register had already been completed, raising questions about the subsequently announced inspection dates.
“Nigerians were subsequently told it would take place from October 9 to 15. Which statement is true? Where was the register published? For seven full days, or for no days at all?” he asked.
Atiku demanded that INEC publish the register and provide the dates, links and records showing when and where voters could access it.
He also called for the list to be published by local government area, area council and ward to enable registered voters to verify their details and seek corrections where necessary.
Concerns Over Unmarked Ballot Papers
Beyond the voters’ register, the former vice-president raised concerns over provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly Section 63(2), which addresses the counting of ballot papers that do not bear the commission’s official mark under specified conditions.
The provision allows such a ballot paper to be counted if the returning officer is satisfied that it came from a book of ballot papers supplied to the relevant polling unit.
Atiku called on INEC to explain the safeguards it would deploy to authenticate such ballot papers and enable political parties to challenge questionable votes.
“Nigerians cannot be denied access to the voters’ register before election day and then be asked to accept unmarked ballot papers after voting,” he said.
Read also:
- INEC Assures Nigerians of Readiness for 2027 Elections, Says Preparations on Track
- INEC Chairman Charges Staff On Neutrality, Professionalism In Discharge Of Electoral Duties
- APC Campaign Council Denies Assassination Plot Against Atiku, Challenges Timi Frank to Provide Evidence
He urged the commission to establish enforceable safeguards against counterfeit ballots and called on the National Assembly to address any loopholes that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Atiku also cited Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which he said requires the preliminary voters’ register to be displayed at registration areas and online for public scrutiny.
He further demanded that INEC disclose the identities of companies awarded contracts to print sensitive election materials, alleging that inquiries about the firms had not received responses.
The former vice-president called on international partners, election observers and democratic institutions to pressure the commission to ensure transparency ahead of the polls.
“The right to vote begins with the right to know that your name is on the list. INEC must stop hiding behind a blank screen. Publish the register. Open it to scrutiny. Answer the country,” he said.
He added that transparency before voting was as important as scrutiny of election results afterwards.
For more updates on the 2027 elections, follow us on X.
