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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed December 15, 2026, for the certification and publication of the final register of voters for the 2027 general elections, as it moves to address concerns over its failure to make the preliminary register available online during the nationwide public display exercise.
The commission announced on Monday that it would make the preliminary register accessible through its online platform, following complaints from Nigerians and other stakeholders who questioned the restriction of public scrutiny to physical displays at registration areas.
The development came after INEC acknowledged that although it displayed the register at ward level between October 9 and 15, it had not made the document available online as required under Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the decision to provide online access was intended to enhance transparency, accessibility and public confidence in preparations for the elections.
“In accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the commission conducted the physical display of the Register at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15, 2026, providing registered voters the opportunity to inspect their particulars and submit claims and objections as prescribed by law,” he said.
Haruna explained that the commission had considered representations from Nigerians and other stakeholders calling for online publication to enable more registered voters to verify their details without having to visit designated centres.
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“The commission has taken note of the concerns expressed by Nigerians and other stakeholders regarding the desirability of making the Register accessible through its online platform in addition to the physical display already conducted.
“Accordingly, and in furtherance of its commitment to transparency, accessibility and public confidence in the electoral process, the commission has decided to make available on its online platform the same Preliminary Register of Voters earlier displayed at the Registration Areas,” he stated.
The commission said the additional measure would complement the physical display rather than replace it, while allowing wider public access to the preliminary register.
“This additional measure complements the physical display already undertaken and is intended to facilitate wider public access to the Register,” Haruna added.
He disclosed that INEC was still processing the claims and objections submitted during the nationwide exercise, preparatory to the final certification of the register.
“Meanwhile, the commission continues to process claims and objections arising from the exercise in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026, preparatory to the certification and publication of the Final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026,” he said.
