Concerns Grow Over INEC’s Readiness for 2027 Elections Amid Voter Register Issues

As the 2027 general elections approach in Nigeria, political parties are raising concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) readiness. With just 77 days left, issues have surfaced regarding the preliminary voters’ register, which reportedly includes artificial intelligence-generated photographs.

This revelation has sparked doubts about the reliability of the electoral database and INEC’s ability to conduct trustworthy elections. Complaints have also emerged about incorrect names, addresses, and other details in the register. INEC has acknowledged these issues and plans to rectify them before the final register is published on December 15, 2026.

INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Lawrence Bayode, stated that some registration officers misused their access to add incorrect entries. He assured the public that those responsible are being addressed. The preliminary register, released on October 26, 2026, lists over 103 million registered voters, reflecting both previous registrations and new ones from ongoing voter registration.

Political parties have varied responses to these developments. The Labour Party (LP) is particularly alarmed, calling for immediate action to restore public trust. LP’s spokesperson, Ken Asogwa, emphasized the urgency of the situation given the upcoming elections and criticized the current leadership of INEC.

In contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to manage the situation. PDP’s spokesperson, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, acknowledged the issues but believes they are minor and that INEC is taking steps to correct them. He urged caution in how political parties discuss these matters to avoid undermining public confidence.

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) also highlighted the need for careful use of technology in the electoral process, stressing that it should not compromise the integrity of the elections. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) criticized INEC’s preparations, claiming they are fundamentally flawed and threaten the credibility of the elections.

As the election date approaches, the effectiveness of INEC’s response to these concerns will be crucial in determining public confidence in the electoral process.