Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish Nigeria’s preliminary voters’ register for public inspection ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to The PUNCH, Atiku raised concerns over the commission’s handling of the register inspection exercise scheduled for October 9 to 15.
The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by his campaign spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu.
He argued that Nigerians should have adequate opportunities to verify their registration details, report omissions and challenge suspected irregularities.
Atiku questions INEC over voters’ register
Atiku noted that INEC had announced more than 103 million registered voters but questioned whether the complete register was accessible.
He alleged that Nigerians who visited the commission’s online portal during the designated inspection period encountered an empty page.
“INEC has announced more than 103 million registered voters. Nigerians went to its portal to inspect the names and found an empty page,” he said.
The former vice-president also questioned conflicting statements concerning the dates for the public inspection exercise.
He demanded clarification on when the register was displayed and how voters could access it.
Atiku calls for election transparency
Atiku urged INEC to publish the register according to local government areas, area councils and wards.
He cited provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 requiring public scrutiny of voter records before elections.
The former vice-president also raised concerns about provisions relating to the authentication of ballot papers.
He called for clearer safeguards against counterfeit ballots and greater transparency regarding contracts for sensitive election materials.
Atiku further appealed to election observers and international democratic institutions to encourage transparency.
The politician maintained that public confidence in the electoral process depended on accessible records and verifiable procedures.
INEC had not responded to the latest allegations in the original report.
