The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing growing scrutiny over its handling of the preliminary voters’ register and compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Electoral stakeholders and legal practitioners have questioned the commission’s interpretation and enforcement of statutory deadlines, particularly concerning the publication of the preliminary voters’ register and the nomination of political party candidates.
The concerns have raised questions about INEC’s neutrality, transparency and accountability, with critics arguing that the electoral umpire must be held to the same legal standards it demands of political parties and candidates.
The controversy comes as the commission disclosed that it had removed more than 1.27 million invalid voter records after identifying approximately 1.5 million questionable entries in the national database.
INEC Accused of Missing Voter Register Publication Deadline
One of the major concerns centres on Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which governs the public scrutiny of the preliminary voters’ register.
According to the allegations, INEC failed to publish the preliminary register on its official website within the stipulated period, despite conducting a physical display exercise across registration areas between October 9 and 15, 2026.
October 18 was identified as the relevant deadline for publication ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
Stakeholders argue that the alleged failure to make the register available online raises questions about transparency and whether Nigerians were given adequate opportunities to verify their voter information.
Other provisions attracting attention include Sections 29, 31, 32, 82, 84 and 98 of the Electoral Act, covering candidate nominations, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, political party primaries and election campaigns.
Section 31 addresses the withdrawal and substitution of candidates, while Section 32 provides for the publication of the final list of candidates within the statutory 60-day period before an election.
The commission has defended its position on political parties’ membership registers, citing judicial pronouncements, particularly the Supreme Court’s September 2026 decision.
However, critics insist that INEC must demonstrate consistency in interpreting and enforcing electoral laws.
Lawyers Question INEC’s Alleged Selective Enforcement
A lawyer and principal partner at O. M. Ajonye and Company, Legal Wise Chambers, Makurdi, Omale Ajonye, said the allegations raised serious concerns about institutional accountability and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. allegations raised serious concerns about institutional accountability and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
He argued that INEC could not reasonably demand strict compliance with statutory deadlines from political parties and candidates while facing allegations of failing to fulfil its own legal obligations.
Ajonye also questioned allegations of differential treatment in the handling of candidates’ nominations, insisting that the commission must provide convincing explanations where similar circumstances appear to attract different decisions.
He maintained that selective enforcement could undermine electoral neutrality and public confidence in the electoral process.
Former National Secretary of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr Kunle Olajide, also called for accountability, stressing that INEC’s independence did not place it above the law.
According to him, the commission must recognise that public confidence depends on its willingness to comply with the same legal standards it expects political parties and candidates to observe.
Suraj Warns Against Blaming INEC Alone
However, Chairman of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Lanre Suraj, cautioned against holding INEC solely responsible for the challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral process.
He argued that the conduct of politicians and political parties frequently complicates the commission’s responsibilities and generates disputes that undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
Suraj identified disagreements over candidate selection, procedural lapses and attempts by political actors to manipulate electoral processes as some of the factors contributing to recurring controversies.
He maintained that allegations of preferential treatment by INEC should be supported by verifiable evidence, urging affected political parties and candidates to seek judicial intervention where necessary.
While acknowledging that the commission must answer for any proven violations, he insisted that political parties must equally be held accountable for their conduct.
Stakeholders Demand Greater Accountability
As scrutiny intensifies, stakeholders have identified judicial intervention, legislative oversight and independent monitoring as important mechanisms for ensuring accountability.
Ajonye urged Nigerians to demand credible voter registration, independent election observation and strict compliance with electoral laws.
He also called on the Nigerian Bar Association and civil society organisations to monitor INEC’s activities and scrutinise its compliance with statutory requirements.
Olajide urged the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight of the commission, while affected political parties and candidates should approach the courts where they can establish violations of their rights.
He further advocated independent monitoring of the voters’ register, candidate lists, election technology and result-transmission arrangements.
Among the proposals is a comprehensive compliance report from INEC detailing its statutory responsibilities, deadlines, actions taken and explanations for any delays.
INEC Removes 1.27 Million Invalid Voter Records
Amid the controversy, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed that the commission had removed more than 1.27 million invalid records from the National Register of Voters.
Speaking during a meeting with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan said the commission had identified approximately 1.5 million questionable entries through a technology-enabled verification exercise.
He explained that more than 1.27 million records were confirmed invalid and subsequently removed.
According to the INEC chairman, the national register currently contains more than 103 million registered voters, with Nigerians aged between 18 and 34 accounting for nearly 29 per cent of the electorate.
He added that the commission was conducting a comprehensive review through its claims and objections process ahead of the scheduled publication of the final voters’ register on December 15, 2026.
INEC Procures 57,000 BVAS Devices for 2027 Elections
Amupitan also disclosed that the commission had completed nine of the 14 activities on its revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.
He said the nationwide Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise was ongoing, with collection points decentralised to registration areas and wards across the 774 local government areas.
The commission has also procured 57,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and election materials for 176,846 polling units.
Amupitan further revealed that INEC’s Candidates Nomination Portal had processed nominations for 21 of Nigeria’s 22 registered political parties.
He identified misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and the misuse of artificial intelligence as emerging threats to electoral integrity.
The chairman called for stronger international cooperation to address these challenges and strengthen preparations for the forthcoming elections.
During the meeting, Simão assured INEC of the United Nations’ support in promoting peaceful elections, while clarifying that the organisation would not participate as an election observer because it lacked the mandate to undertake election observation.
Amupitan also sought expanded cooperation with the United Kingdom on cybersecurity, electoral technology, specialised training, strategic communication and voter education.
The commission maintains that it is strengthening its operational, technological and administrative capacity to deliver free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in 2027.
