Why we created new polling units – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing criticism over allegations that it added 453 new polling units across Nigeria before the 2027 general elections, without publicly announcing or consulting with key electoral stakeholders. This has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within INEC. Some news reports claim the total number of polling units nationwide has risen to 177,299, up from the 176,846 units previously stated.

INEC Deputy Director of Information and Publicity, Wilfred Osilama Ifogah, clarified that the changes were tied to a court ruling that resulted in new constituencies in Kogi, Benue, and Delta states. Ifogah stated that the commission would explain the process to stakeholders after completing its internal review, emphasizing that they were not conducting this covertly and that an alleged leak of information may have occurred.

He noted that the creation of new constituencies would naturally impact the wards and polling units within those areas, requiring thorough examination before public disclosure. In contrast to the 2020 polling unit expansion focused on decongesting areas with high voter numbers, the current exercise aims to accommodate the newly established constituencies.

However, Ifogah did not confirm the exact number of additional polling units or provide a breakdown by state. The commission has yet to release comprehensive details on the affected locations and the procedures for establishing these units. The controversy emerges as INEC faces mounting scrutiny over the 2027 elections, including suspicions of AI-generated photographs on voter profiles and questionable entries in the preliminary Register of Voters.

INEC acknowledged these concerns and is reviewing the affected records, investigating potential lapses.