2027: Atiku Demands Immediate Publication Of Voters’ Register

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate publication of the preliminary voters’ register by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that its absence from the commission’s online portal during the announced October 9 to 15 scrutiny period raises concerns about the transparency and credibility of the 2027 general election.

Atiku’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.

The former vice president questioned INEC’s announcement that Nigeria had more than 103 million registered voters, arguing that the figure alone was insufficient without public access to the register for verification and objections.

“INEC has 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.

He alleged that the commission failed to make the preliminary register available online during the period announced for public scrutiny, despite the legal requirement he cited under Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.

Atiku also questioned what he described as conflicting statements about the timing of the exercise, alleging that INEC’s chairman had reportedly said on October 5 that the public display had already been completed, while a subsequent announcement placed the exercise between October 9 and 15.

He called on the electoral commission to clarify the dates, provide the relevant publication links and release records showing when the register was accessible to the public.

“Which statement is true? Where was the register published? For seven full days, or for no days at all? INEC must produce the dates, the links and the records of access,” he said.

The ADC presidential campaign council director further raised concerns about the authentication of ballot papers, referring to Section 63(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which he said permits a returning officer to count a ballot paper without INEC’s official mark if satisfied that it originated from a book supplied to the polling unit.

Atiku questioned the safeguards available to establish the origin of such ballot papers and prevent fraudulent claims, urging INEC to outline enforceable measures to protect the integrity of the voting process.

He also called on the National Assembly to address any legal loopholes that could leave the authenticity of a ballot paper dependent on an officer’s assurance.

The statement further alleged that INEC had yet to respond to inquiries concerning the identities of companies awarded contracts to print sensitive election materials.

Atiku maintained that the ADC and its presidential candidate were entitled to demand transparency from the electoral umpire regarding the procedures and safeguards that would guide the 2027 presidential election.

Addressing President Bola Tinubu, the former vice president linked the demand for access to the voters’ register to broader concerns about the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.

He argued that voters should not be expected to trust an electoral process without first having the opportunity to verify their names and challenge questionable entries.

“Nigerians have the right to inspect the register, challenge false entries and correct omissions. If that right is denied, we will challenge it in the open and through every lawful means available,” he said.

Atiku urged INEC to publish the register by local government area, area council and ward, explain the disputed dates and provide voters with a full opportunity to challenge false entries and restore omitted names.

He also called on Nigeria’s international partners, election observers and democratic institutions to press the commission publicly to provide access to the register ahead of the election.

According to him, transparency before election day is essential to establishing confidence in the voting process, just as scrutiny of results is necessary after voting concludes.

“The right to vote begins with the right to know that your name is on the list. INEC must stop hiding behind a blank screen. Publish the register. Open it to scrutiny. Answer the country,” Atiku said.