Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Demand Forensic Audit of Voters' Register

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct an independent forensic audit of the preliminary voters' register ahead of the 2027 general elections. The forum cited concerns over alleged AI-generated photographs, duplicate registrations, and questionable voter records. This call was made in a statement issued in Kaduna on Monday, signed by prominent leaders including Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Dr Bitrus Pogu, John Azuta-Mbata, and Ambassador Godknows Igali.

The SMBLF expressed concern over growing political tension in the country ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections. The leaders described allegations surrounding the preliminary voters' register as disturbing and warned that unresolved irregularities could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. They stressed that an accurate and credible voters' register remained essential to the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections.

The forum urged INEC to subject the register to an independent forensic examination involving electoral technology specialists, civil society organisations, and other competent stakeholders. They also challenged the commission to demonstrate its operational readiness for the elections, particularly in deploying the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), securing electoral infrastructure, and adequately preparing its personnel.

The SMBLF condemned reported attacks on opposition presidential candidates, including Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore, warning that political violence could threaten the credibility of the elections. The leaders maintained that political differences should not become grounds for intimidation or physical attacks against candidates and their supporters. They called on security agencies to conduct impartial investigations into the reported incidents and prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors.

The forum denounced the destruction of campaign billboards, posters, and other political materials, warning that such acts could heighten tensions and fuel violence as political activities intensify. They urged the judiciary and other electoral institutions to uphold their independence and discharge their responsibilities without undue delays, particularly in resolving disputes relating to party leadership and candidates' eligibility.

The SMBLF reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections, insisting that all eligible Nigerians must be able to exercise their franchise without intimidation, coercion, inducement, or fear. The leaders distanced the forum from any political endorsement ahead of the 2027 elections, clarifying that it had not adopted any presidential candidate or party as its preferred choice.

The forum's call for a forensic audit and its concerns over political violence and electoral readiness reflect the growing tensions ahead of the 2027 elections. The leaders' emphasis on the importance of a credible voters' register and peaceful electoral process highlights the critical role that electoral integrity plays in ensuring the legitimacy of the elections.

Key points

• The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum demands an independent forensic audit of the voters' register.
• The forum condemns reported attacks on opposition presidential candidates and calls for impartial investigations.
• The leaders reaffirm their commitment to peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.