NEWS
INEC Explains Why 2027 Voters’ Register Is Missing From Website Amid Atiku’s Outrage
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why the preliminary voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections has not been uploaded to its official website, despite being displayed at registration areas across the country, a development that has triggered concerns over transparency, public access and voters’ ability to verify their registration details.
The electoral commission’s explanation followed growing criticism over the absence of the register from its online platform, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar questioning why Nigerians were unable to inspect the detailed list electronically during the period designated for public scrutiny.
Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed that the commission had made the preliminary register available at the ward level but had yet to publish it on its website.
Haruna disclosed this during an exclusive conversation with The PUNCH on Sunday, following questions about the accessibility of the document and calls for the electoral body to make it available online for public inspection.
“The voter register has been published, but in the wards. It just wasn’t published on our website,” he said.
The clarification has brought renewed attention to the distinction between physically displaying the register at designated registration areas and making it accessible online to millions of Nigerians who may wish to confirm their voter information without travelling to their respective wards.
Although INEC maintains that the preliminary register was displayed physically, the absence of an online version has raised questions about the convenience and effectiveness of the process, particularly for registered voters living far from their registration centres or those facing difficulties accessing the designated locations. The controversy has also placed the commission under increased public scrutiny over its preparedness for the 2027 general elections, as stakeholders continue to emphasise the importance of transparency, accessibility and public confidence in the electoral process.
Atiku Abubakar had earlier criticised the commission over its failure to make the preliminary register available on its website, describing the situation as unacceptable and demanding immediate access to the document.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, the former vice-president questioned why the detailed register was unavailable online during the scheduled public display period of October 9 to 15, 2026.
Atiku argued that announcing the total number of registered voters was insufficient because Nigerians needed access to the actual list to determine whether their names and personal registration details had been accurately captured.
According to him, the publication of aggregate figures could not replace the opportunity for individual voters to inspect the register, identify errors, report omissions and challenge entries they considered questionable.
“While INEC announced more than 103 million registered voters. Nigerians went to its portal to inspect the names and found an empty page. That is an outrage. A figure cannot answer an objection. A press announcement cannot tell a voter whether her name has been omitted. Show Nigerians the register,” Atiku said.
His criticism underscores the importance of making the preliminary register accessible to the public, particularly at a time when the country is preparing for another general election and the credibility of the electoral process remains a major issue of national interest.
The voters’ register is one of the most important documents in an election because it establishes the list of eligible voters and provides the basis for determining who can participate in the exercise. Errors in the register, including omitted names, incorrect personal details, duplicate entries or other irregularities, could create difficulties for voters and potentially trigger disputes if they are not identified and addressed before the final register is approved. Public scrutiny is therefore intended to provide an opportunity for registered voters, political parties and other interested stakeholders to identify discrepancies and bring them to the attention of the electoral commission for appropriate action.
For Nigerians who cannot easily visit their designated registration areas, online access offers a more convenient means of checking their information. The absence of an online version could consequently limit the ability of some voters to participate effectively in the verification process. The issue has also renewed attention to the legal requirements governing the publication and public inspection of the voters’ register.
Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 provides for the public display and publication of the register, requiring INEC to designate a seven-day period for public scrutiny within the timeframe prescribed by law.
The section states: “Subject to the provisions of section 9 (6) of this Act, the commission shall, not later than 90 days to a general election, appoint a period of seven days during which a copy of the voters’ register for each Local Government, Area Council or ward shall be displayed or published for public scrutiny at every registration area and on its official website or any website established by the commission for that purpose.”
The provision highlights the importance of making the register available through the channels specified by law, including registration areas and the commission’s official website.
Consequently, the central question arising from the controversy is not simply whether the register was physically displayed, but also when Nigerians will be able to access the online version and whether the publication arrangements adequately facilitate the public scrutiny envisaged by the law.
Haruna’s explanation confirmed that the preliminary register had been made available at the ward level. However, the clarification did not specify when INEC intends to upload the document to its website or explain why the online publication had not been completed during the scheduled display period. The absence of a confirmed publication date has therefore left the question of online access unresolved, even as concerns continue over the ability of voters to verify their information conveniently. With more than 103 million registered voters reportedly on the electoral roll, access to accurate and verifiable registration information remains critical to ensuring that eligible Nigerians can participate in the 2027 general elections without avoidable administrative obstacles.
As preparations for the elections continue, attention is now focused on whether INEC will publish the preliminary register online and provide further clarification on the arrangements for public inspection.
For voters, political parties and other stakeholders, the expectation is that the electoral commission will ensure that the register is accessible, accurate and open to the scrutiny required to strengthen confidence in the electoral process.