Former Minister of Education, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, has called for an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in Nigeria's voter registration process. In an open memorandum dated November 3, 2026, Ezekwesili expressed concerns over the credibility of the electoral process, citing allegations of manipulation in the voter register. She emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot investigate itself and therefore urged the establishment of a Citizens' Electoral Rescue Team to lead the probe.
Ezekwesili's memorandum highlighted statements allegedly made by INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Lawrence Bayode, on October 30 and November 1. According to Ezekwesili, Bayode admitted that some registration officials used their personal data to register voters with artificially generated images, duplicated data, and fictitious registrants in several states. Ezekwesili stressed that these allegations require an independent investigation, warning that an INEC-led probe would not provide the public with the desired level of confidence.
The former minister argued that the credibility of the 2027 general election is already in question, adding that Nigeria cannot conduct a free and fair election under INEC's current leadership. Ezekwesili expressed concerns that public trust in INEC has significantly eroded, and if the allegations are not addressed, it may undermine the legitimacy of the 2027 election even before voting begins. She proposed that the Citizens' Electoral Rescue Team should comprise independent experts in forensic auditing, cybersecurity, and biometric data analysis.
Ezekwesili's proposal also includes representatives from civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association, professional associations, academics, religious and traditional leaders, as well as international election observers. She emphasized that the team should conduct a thorough forensic audit of the voter register, identify and remove artificially created data, investigate potential crimes, and ensure that Nigerians have access to critical election information. Additionally, Ezekwesili called for the identification and prosecution of officials allegedly involved in the irregularities.
The former minister described the voter register as the foundation of a free and fair election, warning that any manipulation could compromise the entire electoral process. Ezekwesili urged the National Assembly to enact legislation under the "Doctrine of Necessity" to empower the proposed Citizens' Electoral Rescue Team to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations and ensure the integrity of the 2027 election.
Ezekwesili's concerns have sparked renewed debate about the readiness of INEC to conduct a credible election. The 2027 general election is expected to be a major milestone in Nigeria's democratic journey, and stakeholders are eagerly watching developments. The National Assembly has been urged to take a proactive role in addressing the allegations and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The outcome of the investigation and the implementation of Ezekwesili's proposals will be crucial in determining the credibility of the 2027 election. Nigerians and international observers will be closely monitoring the situation, and the government's response is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country's democratic development.
Key points
- Former Minister of Education Obiageli Ezekwesili calls for independent probe into alleged voter registration irregularities.
- Ezekwesili proposes establishment of Citizens' Electoral Rescue Team to lead investigation into INEC's voter registration process.
- The 2027 general election's credibility is at stake due to allegations of voter registration irregularities.
