The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed 1.6 million invalid voter records from Nigeria's national register ahead of the 2027 general elections. This move follows investigations into irregularities uncovered in the voter register. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja. He stated that 1,609,553 records were removed, comprising 1,608,660 confirmed invalid registrations and 873 verified records of deceased voters.
The clean-up of the voter register was prompted by public complaints and scrutiny of the preliminary voter register displayed between October 9 and 15, 2026. INEC's technical audit, conducted using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), uncovered irregularities including unusual registration patterns, substituted photographs, and fraudulent multiple registrations. This audit helped identify and remove invalid records from the register.
INEC has also identified 54 staff members across 10 states who allegedly manipulated registration procedures and abused special provisions designed to assist vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. Disciplinary measures and possible prosecution have been initiated against the affected personnel. The commission aims to strengthen its internal controls to prevent a recurrence of such irregularities.
On the delay in issuing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to those who registered during the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, Amupitan cited the ongoing delivery of cards from overseas for distribution across the country. Distribution of PVCs for the first and second phases, including cards for voters who transferred their registration, is ongoing at various local government areas.
According to Amupitan, distribution of third-phase PVCs will resume from December 1, 2026, when cards will be dispatched to Registration Areas nationwide. He appealed to Nigerians who registered in the third phase to exercise patience, explaining that production of the cards was being carried out outside the country. A total of 2,970,257 Nigerians registered during the third phase before INEC's de-duplication process.
INEC is also reviewing historical voter data carried over from previous registration exercises between 2011 and 2023 to identify and remove legacy duplicate records. The commission's board has directed that flagged entries be expunged after proper verification. This move aims to ensure the accuracy and integrity of Nigeria's voter register.
Amupitan addressed the issue of legal disputes involving political parties, particularly the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He stated that INEC would only act on authenticated court documents. The commission's role is to ensure that electoral processes are conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.
Key points
- INEC removes 1.6 million invalid voter records from Nigeria's national register.
- The commission explains delay in producing PVCs for third-phase registrants.
- INEC reviews historical voter data to identify and remove legacy duplicate records.
