From Victor Osula, Abuja
After sustained criticism from stakeholders and the discerning public over the accessibility of the voters register, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened online access to the preliminary register for the 2027 general election.
The Commission puts the trial number of voters at 103 million.
The commission on Monday, said the register, which was earlier displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide, was now available on its online platform.
Signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, chairman of the commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the statement further stated that “The register can be accessed at https://display.inecnigeria.
Taken note of concerns about the need to make the preliminary register available online in addition to the physical display already conducted, INEC said the decision was aimed at widening public access to the register and strengthening transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
The move follows the physical display of the preliminary register nationwide from October 9 to 15, 2026, in accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
During the exercise, registered voters were given the opportunity to inspect their particulars and submit claims and objections as prescribed by law.
INEC said the online publication was an additional measure that complemented the physical exercise and would make the register accessible to a wider segment of the public.
The commission did not announce a new period for submitting claims and objections in its statement but said it was continuing to process those arising from the physical display in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
It said the exercise would precede the certification and publication of the final register of voters scheduled for December 15, 2026.
The preliminary register allows registered voters to verify their details ahead of the finalisation of the list to be used for the 2027 general election.
Voters checking the register can examine their particulars and identify possible errors or discrepancies that may require attention through the procedures provided by the commission and the law.
The publication of the final register is one of the statutory preparations for the general election, as the list will establish the registered electorate for the polls.
INEC said it appreciated the continued interest and constructive engagement of Nigerians and stakeholders in the electoral process.
The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and the faithful implementation of the Electoral Act, 2026 in delivering credible elections. Section 19 (1) of the Act makes it mandatory for the Commission to display the list physically at state, Local government and wards areas across the country and publish the digital version on its website for seven days during the 90 days mark before the next election. With 80 days to the, INEC, was yet to do the needful nor heed repeated calls from stakeholders.
