Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of concealing evidence and shielding officials implicated in irregularities in the voter register. He warned that the scandal threatens the credibility of the 2027 general elections. Atiku's statement was released through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
Atiku's accusations stem from INEC's admission that AI-generated images and other irregularities had entered the register through registration officers. He described this as a grave failure of leadership and safeguards at the electoral body, raising fresh questions about the integrity of the database on which millions of Nigerians depend to exercise their franchise.
Atiku demanded the identification and prosecution of officials involved, full disclosure of evidence, and an independent forensic audit of the voter register. He described INEC's explanation of how the register was compromised as an attempt to evade responsibility. Atiku questioned the security safeguards in place, comparing them unfavorably to those of ordinary social media accounts.
The former vice president insisted that INEC must disclose how the register was compromised, identify every officer involved, and explain why those implicated had not been suspended or prosecuted. He also demanded an independent forensic audit, citing allegations that more than 20 million AI-generated images may have been involved.
Atiku further accused INEC of ignoring opposition parties' demands for disclosure of companies contracted to produce sensitive election materials. He insisted that secrecy over the contractors and their operating protocols was incompatible with a credible election. Atiku demanded that the Commission publish the contractors' identities and explain the safeguards governing their work.
The former vice president threatened legal action if INEC failed to disclose the information and account for the alleged misconduct. He urged opposition leaders and the international community to demand full disclosure, an independent audit, and accountability, accusing President Bola Tinubu's government of enabling the crisis by allowing INEC to evade scrutiny.
Atiku emphasized that INEC could not demand public trust while withholding evidence and shielding those responsible. He stressed that the credibility of the 2027 election is on the line and urged INEC to take immediate action to address the irregularities and restore public trust in the electoral process.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar accuses INEC of concealing evidence and shielding officials involved in voter register irregularities.
- The scandal threatens the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
- Atiku demands an independent forensic audit and prosecution of officials involved.
