The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a total of 5,400 claims and objections to the Preliminary Register of Voters. Out of these, 4,800 are claims and 600 are objections. The Commission has assured Nigerians that it will complete the cleaning of the register before December 15, 2026. This move comes amid concerns over the discovery of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and other irregularities in the preliminary register.
INEC has admitted that some registration officers were responsible for introducing suspicious entries into the database. The Commission's Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the number of claims and objections while receiving the ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Amupitan stated that the Commission is working to ensure that all claims and objections are addressed before the Final Register of Voters is certified.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have demanded a full explanation of how the AI-generated photographs entered the register. They also called for the identification of officials responsible and an independent forensic audit of the database. INEC, however, has assured that it has no preferred candidate or political party in the 2027 elections, emphasizing its commitment to the rule of law and the democratic progress of Nigeria.
The size of the register currently stands at over 103 million registered citizens. INEC plans to correct any discrepancies noticed during the display of the register online. The Commission announced a nationwide mock accreditation exercise in November to test accreditation and result transmission simultaneously in all states. This exercise aims to ensure a smooth electoral process.
To enhance the electoral process, INEC has introduced safeguards, including the authentication of results at the polling unit before transmission to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Amupitan explained that when he assumed office, the Commission focused on improving the existing system rather than introducing new technology, given the timeline.
INEC has been touring different zones in Nigeria to assess its preparedness for the 2027 general election. The Chairman emphasized that the tours have already taken place in the South-west, North-west, South-east, and North-east zones. The North-central zone is scheduled for a visit the following week. These tours aim to ensure that the Commission is adequately prepared for the upcoming elections.
INEC's efforts to clean up the voter register and ensure a transparent electoral process are crucial for the credibility of the 2027 general election. The Commission's commitment to addressing claims and objections and introducing safeguards to prevent irregularities will help build trust in the electoral process. Nigerians await the outcome of these efforts as the country prepares for the next general election.
Key points
- INEC received over 5,400 claims and objections to the Preliminary Register of Voters.
- The Commission aims to complete the clean-up of the register by December 15, 2026.
- INEC has introduced safeguards to prevent irregularities in the electoral process.
