The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has stated that Rivers State will receive particular attention ahead of the 2027 general elections due to its strategic electoral importance. With 3,736,434 registered voters, Rivers State leads the South-South geopolitical zone. The state is followed by Delta State with 3,525,988 registered voters and Edo State with 2,865,263.
Prof. Amupitan made this statement during an interactive meeting with INEC officials and staff members from the six South-South states in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He emphasized that the Commission will pay closer attention to Rivers State to ensure that operational challenges do not prevent eligible voters from exercising their civic rights. The six states in the region collectively have 15,823,550 registered voters.
INEC has ruled out any possibility of postponing the 2027 general elections, declaring that preparations are already in top gear and the polls will hold as scheduled. Prof. Amupitan addressed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and other officials of the Commission in the South-South geopolitical zone, stating that the Commission's statutory timetable for the elections has been established and will not be altered.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that the Commission has published the voters' register online and at designated locations to allow eligible voters to scrutinize their details and request necessary corrections. Over 5,000 claims relating to corrections, including errors in names and dates of birth, have been received, alongside over 600 objections. The Commission is addressing these complaints to ensure the credibility and accuracy of the final voters' register.
Prof. Amupitan announced that the final register of voters will be released on December 15, 2026. He added that all outstanding issues will be resolved before the deadline. The electoral chief further revealed that the Commission initially considered conducting a comprehensive revalidation of the voters' register but eventually dropped the proposal due to concerns about its proximity to the 2027 general elections.
The INEC chairman expressed confidence in INEC's ability to deliver peaceful, transparent, and credible elections in 2027. He said the Commission has continued to draw lessons from recent off-cycle governorship elections to strengthen its preparations and improve electoral operations. Prof. Amupitan urged officials across the South-South region to demonstrate commitment, professionalism, and efficiency in carrying out their responsibilities.
Prof. Amupitan also warned that anyone who threatens, intimidates, or attacks INEC's ad-hoc staff, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, or permanent personnel during the 2027 General Election will face the full weight of the law. He identified insecurity as a potential challenge but stressed that the Commission will not allow threats against its personnel to undermine its constitutional responsibilities.
Key points
- INEC to give Rivers State special attention ahead of 2027 elections due to its strategic electoral importance.
- The Commission has ruled out postponing the 2027 general elections, citing preparations already in top gear.
- INEC has received over 5,000 claims relating to corrections in the voters' register.
