2027: Voters’ register hits 103m – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported that Nigeria's voter register has surpassed 103 million registered voters in preparation for the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan revealed this during a strategic workshop for media executives at the Nigerian Guild of Editors. The three-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise attracted 10.6 million new registrants, with 2.6 million added in the first phase, 4.1 million in the second, and 3.9 million in the third.

Amupitan emphasized that the voter register is still undergoing final verification through the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) process. The commission has completed eight of the 14 major activities required for the 2027 elections, placing preparations in the "amber zone" as the election date approaches. Nationwide collection of Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) will begin on October 9, with the introduction of printable PVC technology to expedite the process.

INEC has also procured 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and an enhanced eEC8A form to ensure accurate and secure reporting of polling-unit results. The chairman warned against vote-buying, illegal campaign financing, and the spread of false information on social media, urging journalists to verify information before publication.

The commission is also working with law enforcement agencies to monitor campaign spending and strengthen cybersecurity around the electoral process.