The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed 1,608,660 invalid registrants from Nigeria’s voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to strengthen the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
The commission also identified 54 voter registration personnel across 10 states for possible disciplinary action, including prosecution, over alleged irregularities uncovered during its review of the preliminary register.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the review of the Preliminary Register of Voters displayed nationwide between October 9 and 15, 2026.
According to the electoral commission, the clean-up exercise followed claims, objections and complaints received from members of the public after the preliminary register was displayed for scrutiny.
INEC further disclosed that 876 deceased voters had been removed from the register as part of efforts to eliminate ineligible entries and improve the accuracy of the electoral database.
The commission explained that the review was necessary to address identified discrepancies and ensure that only eligible Nigerians remain on the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 elections.
It added that the 54 registration personnel identified across the 10 states would face appropriate disciplinary procedures, with prosecution considered where the evidence establishes criminal wrongdoing.
INEC announced that the final cleaned-up voters’ register would be published on December 16, 2026, in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The development comes as the electoral umpire intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, amid growing public expectations for a transparent, credible and accountable electoral process.
With more than 1.6 million invalid registrations removed, attention will now turn to the commission’s ability to ensure that the final register is accurate, transparent and free from manipulation.
