Voter Register Scandal: Ezekwesili Demands Independent Probe, Says INEC Cannot Investigate Itself

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, has called for an independent investigation into allegations of manipulation of Nigeria’s voter register, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot investigate itself.

In an open memorandum dated November 3, 2026, in Abuja, Ezekwesili demanded the establishment of a Citizens’ Electoral Rescue Team to take over the clean-up of the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She called on the National Assembly to enact a law under what she described as a “Doctrine of Necessity” to empower the proposed team to independently investigate the allegations, clean up the voter register and oversee citizens’ observation and verification of the 2027 elections.

Ezekwesili said the allegations had raised serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral process and INEC’s ability to guarantee credible elections.

She cited statements allegedly made by INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr Lawrence Bayode, during television appearances on October 30 and November 1.

According to Ezekwesili, Bayode disclosed that registration officers had used their official credentials to introduce AI-generated photographs, duplicate records and fabricated entries across several states.

She argued that the allegations required an independent investigation, warning that an inquiry conducted by the electoral commission itself would not inspire public confidence.

“The question of whether Nigeria can conduct a credible 2027 election is already answered. Nigeria cannot conduct a credible 2027 election under the leadership of INEC,” she said.

Ezekwesili said public trust in the commission had fallen sharply, warning that failure to address the allegations could undermine the 2027 elections before voting begins.

She proposed that the Citizens’ Electoral Rescue Team should conduct an independent forensic audit of the voter register, identify and remove fraudulent entries, investigate possible wrongdoing and ensure that Nigerians have access to relevant electoral information.

She also called for the public disclosure of officers implicated in the alleged manipulation and urged that anyone found responsible should be held accountable following a credible investigation.

The proposed team, she said, should include independent forensic, cybersecurity and biometric experts, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association, relevant professional bodies, academics, religious and traditional leaders, political party observers and international election observers.

Under her proposal, political parties would be allowed to observe the process but would have no control over the team’s activities. Serving and former INEC officials, public office holders, candidates and party officials would be excluded from membership to protect its independence.

Ezekwesili described the voter register as the foundation of a credible election, warning that any manipulation could compromise the entire process before ballots were cast.

“The register of voters is the first ballot. If it is rigged, every ballot that follows is rigged before it is cast,” she said.

She also called on civil society organisations, professional bodies and other stakeholders to support the proposal, saying urgent action was needed to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Ezekwesili said the team should operate transparently, make relevant election information available to Nigerians and report directly to the public. She urged stakeholders to act while evidence relating to the allegations remained available.