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The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has demanded an urgent independent forensic audit of the preliminary voters’ register released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs, duplicate entries and questionable voter records ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Forum also condemned reported attacks on political figures, including the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential hopeful, Omoyele Sowore, warning that political violence and doubts about electoral integrity could undermine public confidence in the forthcoming polls.
In a statement dated November 9, 2026, the SMBLF said Nigeria was approaching the 2027 elections amid an increasingly tense political atmosphere, stressing that the country could not afford an electoral process characterised by institutional distrust, intimidation and uncertainty.
The statement was jointly signed by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Chairman of the SMBLF and Leader of Afenifere; Dr Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum; Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
The Forum expressed particular concern over what it described as disturbing revelations surrounding the preliminary voters’ register published by INEC.
It said the discovery of suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs, duplicate entries and records allegedly belonging to unknown persons had triggered widespread anxiety about the credibility of the electoral process.
“The SMBLF therefore demands an urgent, independent forensic audit of the voters’ register, by electoral technology specialists, civil society representatives and other qualified stakeholders,” the statement declared.
The group insisted that INEC must go beyond publishing the register to demonstrate its preparedness to conduct credible elections, particularly in the deployment of electoral technology.
It called on the electoral umpire to ensure the reliable deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), adequate training of electoral personnel, protection of election infrastructure and transparent collation and prompt publication of polling-unit results.
“INEC must learn from previous controversies over its usage of technology in result transmission and restore public trust,” the Forum stated.
The SMBLF also expressed alarm over reports and video footage of attacks on political figures across the country, specifically mentioning incidents involving Peter Obi in Makurdi and other locations, as well as Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State.
The Forum condemned the reported incidents, insisting that political affiliation must not determine the safety of candidates and their supporters.
“Whatever their political affiliations, no candidate or supporter should face violence for participating in democratic activities,” it said.
It consequently urged security agencies to investigate the incidents impartially, identify those responsible and prosecute perpetrators and sponsors where evidence establishes their involvement.
The group further condemned the destruction of campaign billboards, posters and other political materials, describing such actions as unacceptable and capable of escalating political tensions.
“Such conduct violates the spirit of political competition and could escalate into avoidable violence,” the statement warned.
Beyond concerns about voter registration and political violence, the Forum called on the judiciary and electoral institutions to demonstrate independence and act swiftly in resolving disputes surrounding party leadership and candidates’ eligibility.
According to the SMBLF, prolonged uncertainty over such matters close to election day could deprive Nigerians of meaningful electoral choices and weaken confidence in the democratic system.
It stressed the need for all relevant institutions to discharge their responsibilities in a manner that protects the integrity of the electoral process and guarantees citizens’ democratic rights.
Meanwhile, the Forum has clarified that it has not endorsed or adopted any presidential candidate or political party as its collective choice ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the SMBLF has not adopted any presidential candidate or political party as the collective choice of the Forum,” the statement emphasised.
It reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful, credible and inclusive electoral process in which eligible Nigerians would be able to exercise their voting rights without intimidation, inducement or fear.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to the statement.
The Forum’s intervention came as preparations for the next general elections intensify, with the credibility of voter registration, electoral technology, political participation and institutional independence emerging as key issues in the build-up to the polls.
