The INEC voters’ register should be published online ahead of the 2027 general elections, Yiaga Africa Executive Director Samson Itodo has said, insisting that the electoral commission is legally required to make the document accessible to the public.
Itodo’s comments follow calls by opposition politicians and civil society organisations for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release the register online.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, he cited Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026, which he said requires the commission to publish the register both at designated physical locations and on its website or another officially approved platform.
INEC Voters’ Register: Itodo Cites Electoral Act
Itodo explained that the law provides for claims and objections to the voters’ register within a period not later than 90 days before an election.
He said the process allows voters to inspect the register and raise concerns about entries where necessary.
According to him, Section 19 specifies that INEC must make the register available at its offices or polling units and online through its website or another platform officially designated by the commission.
Itodo stressed that the law’s use of the word “shall” makes online publication a requirement rather than an option.
Yiaga Africa Questions INEC’s Compliance
The Yiaga Africa director acknowledged that INEC had indicated that the claims and objections exercise had taken place across the country through physical visits to designated locations.
However, he said the INEC voters’ register was not available online as of Friday, according to his account.
Itodo argued that physical access alone did not fulfil the requirement he cited in the Electoral Act. He said the commission needed to explain why it had yet to publish the register on its website or another officially designated platform.
He also expressed concern that the absence of an explanation could raise questions about the electoral body’s transparency and preparations for the 2027 elections.
Itodo Urges Electoral Commission to Explain Delay
Itodo called on INEC to address voters’ concerns and clarify the status of the online register.
He warned that the commission’s silence could weaken public confidence, particularly as preparations for the next general elections continue.
The INEC voters’ register is an important part of the electoral process because it allows eligible voters to check their details and raise objections where necessary.
INEC’s response to Itodo’s concerns was not included in the report.
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