By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it displayed the preliminary voters’ register at ward level but has yet to upload it to its official website, following concerns raised by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over transparency ahead of the 2027 general election. The clarification emerged on Sunday through INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.
Atiku Questions INEC’s Failure to Publish Register Online
Atiku, in a statement issued on Thursday, urged INEC to publish the preliminary voters’ register immediately.
He criticised the commission for failing to provide online access during the scheduled public display period from October 9 to 15, 2026.
According to Atiku, Nigerians need access to the register to verify their details, identify omissions and challenge questionable entries.
He also questioned the accessibility of the commission’s database after INEC announced that Nigeria had more than 103 million registered voters.
“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,” Atiku said.
He added that official announcements could not replace access to individual voter records.
“A figure cannot answer an objection. A press announcement cannot tell a voter whether her name has been omitted. Show Nigerians the register,” he stated.
INEC Explains Why the Register Is Missing Online
However, Haruna clarified that INEC had displayed the preliminary voters’ register at ward level.
“The voter register has been published, but in the wards. It just wasn’t published on our website,” he said.
His explanation comes amid public concerns about the commission’s failure to upload the register during the scheduled scrutiny period.
Although the register was available at the wards, the absence of an online version raised questions about accessibility for voters who wanted to check their details remotely.
What the Electoral Act 2026 Says
Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 outlines INEC’s responsibilities regarding public access to the voters’ register.
The provision requires the commission to make copies available for public scrutiny at registration areas and on its official website.
It also requires INEC to schedule a seven-day display period no later than 90 days before a general election, subject to Section 9(6) of the Act.
The provision 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 requirement allows registered voters to confirm their information before INEC finalises the register.
It also enables members of the public to identify missing names, incorrect details and questionable entries.
Voters’ Register Access Raises Transparency Concerns
With the 2027 general election approaching, the controversy has renewed attention on electoral transparency and public participation.
Access to the voters’ register helps citizens confirm their eligibility and ensure their details appear correctly.
Furthermore, public scrutiny can help identify errors before the commission finalises the register.
The dispute centres on the difference between displaying the register at ward level and making it accessible online.
While INEC says it fulfilled the ward-level display requirement, Atiku has called for immediate online publication.
The commission’s next steps could influence public discussions about voter registration, electoral accountability and confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
