The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled December 15, 2026, for the certification and publication of the final register of voters ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The commission’s announcement follows concerns over the non-availability of the preliminary voters’ register on its online platform during the recently concluded nationwide public display exercise.
INEC disclosed on Monday that it would upload the preliminary register to its online platform, responding to complaints from Nigerians and electoral stakeholders who called for broader access to the document. The concerns centred on the commission’s initial decision to limit public inspection of the register to physical displays at designated registration areas, making it difficult for some registered voters to verify their details.
The development followed the commission’s acknowledgement that the preliminary register had been displayed at ward level between October 9 and 15, 2026, without being made available online. The omission raised questions about compliance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which provides for public scrutiny of the voters’ register.
In a statement, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the decision to publish the preliminary register online was aimed at strengthening transparency, improving accessibility and boosting public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
“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 said the commission had received appeals from members of the public and other stakeholders urging it to provide an online version of the register. He noted that making the document available digitally would enable more registered voters to examine their information without travelling to designated inspection centres.
“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 electoral body clarified that the online publication would serve as an additional avenue for public inspection and would not invalidate or replace the physical display already conducted across the country. According to the commission, the move is intended to broaden access to the preliminary register and give more voters an opportunity to scrutinise their personal information.
“This additional measure complements the physical display already undertaken and is intended to facilitate wider public access to the Register,” Haruna added.
He further explained that the commission was continuing to review and process claims and objections submitted by voters during the public display period. The exercise is part of the procedures leading to the formal certification and release of the final register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.
