INEC bows to pressure and opens 2027 voter register online – THIS UPDATE

By Victor Osula, Abuja

After continued criticism from stakeholders and the discerning public over the accessibility of the voter register, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened online access to the preliminary register for the 2027 general elections.

The Commission estimates the total number of voters at 103 million.

The commission said on Monday that the register, which was previously physically displayed in registration areas nationwide, is now available on its online platform.

Signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Commission’s Voter Information and Education Committee, the statement further states that “the register can be accessed at https://display.inecnigeria.org.”

Taken Noting concerns about the need to make the preliminary register available online in addition to the physical viewing already carried out, INEC said the decision aimed to broaden public access to the register and strengthen transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

The move follows the physical display of the preliminary register nationwide from 9 to 15 October 2026, in accordance with section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

During the exercise, registered voters were given the opportunity to view their details and submit complaints and objections as required by law.

INEC said online publication represents an additional measure that complements physical exercise and would make the register accessible to a wider segment of the public.

The commission did not announce a new deadline for filing complaints and objections in its statement, but said it will continue to process those arising from physical exposure in accordance with the 2026 Election Law.

The exercise will precede the certification and publication of the final register of voters scheduled for 15 December 2026.

The preliminary register allows registered voters to verify their details before finalizing the list to be used for the 2027 general elections.

Voters who check the register can review their records and identify any errors or discrepancies that may require attention through procedures established by the commission and by law.

The publication of the final register is one of the legal preparations for the general elections, as the list will determine the electorate registered for the polls.

INEC said it appreciates the continued interest and constructive engagement of Nigerians and stakeholders in the electoral process.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and faithful implementation of the Electoral Law 2026 in ensuring credible elections. Section 19 (1) of the Act makes it mandatory for the Commission to physically display the list in state, local and district areas across the country and publish the digital version on its website for seven days during the 90 days before the next election. 80 days before the deadline, INEC had still not done the necessary or listened to repeated requests from stakeholders.

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