INEC SAYS VOTER REGISTER HITS 103 MILLION
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says Nigeria’s voter register has risen to more than 103 million ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Lagos, Kano, Kaduna and Katsina recording the highest numbers.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday at a World Press Conference and National Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja. He said the commission had completed nine of 14 key milestones in its preparations for the 2027 elections.
Amupitan said INEC had identified difficult terrains, including riverine communities, and was putting measures in place to ensure eligible voters in such areas are not disenfranchised. He added that the commission was also engaging transport unions to improve logistics for the elections.
He said INEC would work with anti-corruption agencies to monitor illicit campaign spending, vote-buying and other forms of electoral inducement, warning that offenders would face prosecution.
The INEC chairman also assured that the commission would continue working with stakeholders to promote inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities. He said the voter register would be displayed for public scrutiny from October 9 to 15, while claims and objections would be addressed afterward.
Amupitan added that the commission would organise town hall meetings across the 36 states and the FCT to educate Nigerians on their rights and encourage greater participation in the electoral process.
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, represented by AIG Francis Agu, pledged that the police would work with other security agencies to protect INEC facilities and officials and provide a secure environment for voters.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, urged INEC to remain impartial and provide a level playing field for all registered political parties and candidates.
Representatives of the European Union and other international partners also called for transparent and credible elections, pledging to support the process and deploy observers across the 774 local government areas.