The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that the national register of voters now stands at 110 million, making Nigeria the largest democracy in Africa. The top 10 states with the highest number of registered voters are Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Rivers, Oyo, Delta, Benue, Ogun, and Bauchi. INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, unveiled the statistics at a media briefing, stating that the commission has moved from planning to execution for the 2027 general elections.
Presidential candidates have begun strategizing on how to capitalize on the top 10 leading states with the highest number of voters. They are intensifying consultations and mobilizing registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which will commence on October 9, 2026. Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to collect their PVCs, emphasizing its importance in exercising their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
INEC has unveiled a massive deployment and anti-rigging plan for the polls. The commission has awarded contracts for 57,000 new BVAS devices, ballot boxes, and cubicles, while delivery of operational vehicles is ongoing. INEC has secured over 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 boats through transport unions to cover 176,846 polling units and 8,838 Registration Areas.
The commission has created an Artificial Intelligence Division in its ICT Department to tackle deepfakes, manipulated audio, fake videos, and cyber intrusion. A six-day stress test will hold from October 23-28, followed by a nationwide mock accreditation in November. INEC will work with the Ministry of Justice, EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU to track campaign finances between October 28 and January 1, 2027.
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced intensified pre-election clearance operations in Kogi, Niger, Benue, and Taraba to contain violence. The police, military, and paramilitary have activated assets to secure voters, materials, polling venues, and collation centers. The Force will review operations by November and December to guarantee citizens can “come out freely” to vote.
The National Assembly has warned INEC against failing to act on electoral breaches and court judgments. The Senate Committee Chairman on INEC and Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong, emphasized the need for continuous consultation to restore confidence. The House Committee Chairman, Adebayo Balogun, accused INEC of avoiding difficult decisions under Section 225A of the Constitution and Section 74 of the Electoral Act.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, has backed INEC, describing 2027 as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy. He called for adequate budgetary support for the commission and announced that the EU will deploy an expert electoral mission and continue support under its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (SDGN) programme.
Key points
- INEC unveils plans to tackle electoral breaches and ensure a free and fair 2027 election
- The voter register has hit 110 million, making Nigeria the largest democracy in Africa
- Presidential candidates strategize on how to capitalize on top 10 leading states with highest number of voters
