Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed December 15, 2026, for the certification and publication of the final register of voters for the 2027 general elections.
The commission disclosed this on Monday while announcing plans to make the preliminary register of voters available on its online platform following complaints over its initial failure to provide online access.
INEC had conducted a nationwide physical display of the preliminary register at registration areas from October 9 to 15, 2026, but did not initially publish the document online, prompting concerns from Nigerians and other stakeholders.
The development raised questions about compliance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which provides for public scrutiny of the register.
In a statement, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the decision to publish the preliminary register online was aimed at improving transparency, accessibility and public confidence in the electoral process.
Haruna explained that the physical display had enabled registered voters to inspect their particulars and submit claims and objections as provided by law.
He said the commission had considered calls from stakeholders for online access to enable more voters to verify their details without visiting designated registration centres.
According to him, the online publication will complement, rather than replace, the physical display already conducted nationwide.
The commission said it was processing claims and objections received during the exercise ahead of the final certification and publication of the register on December 15.
INEC maintained that the additional measure was intended to broaden public access to the preliminary register and strengthen confidence in preparations for the 2027 general elections.
