The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will clean up Nigeria’s voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general election by removing duplicate registrations, deceased persons and other ineligible entries.
The commission also plans to give Nigerians an opportunity to identify underage voters and other questionable registrations during the claims and objections period.
The disclosure was made by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
Duplicate Registrations Targeted
INEC says duplicate registrations remain one of the challenges affecting the credibility of the voters’ register.
The commission has previously warned Nigerians against registering more than once, stressing that its biometric system is designed to identify duplicate records.
In its earlier 2026 voter-revalidation plans, INEC said duplicate registrations, deceased voters, non-citizen registrations and incomplete or inaccurate records were among the problems requiring attention.
Dead Persons To Be Removed
The commission also intends to identify and remove records belonging to people who have died.
The move is intended to ensure that the register used for the 2027 election more accurately reflects the country’s eligible voting population.
INEC says Nigerians will also play a role in identifying questionable entries during the public claims and objections stage.
Underage Registration Remains A Concern
Underage voting and registration have repeatedly generated controversy during Nigerian elections.
INEC’s proposed verification process will allow members of the public to raise objections to names they believe should not be on the register.
The commission has urged Nigerians to participate in the process rather than leave the responsibility entirely to electoral officials.
Cleaner Register Ahead Of 2027
A credible voters’ register is one of the most important foundations of an election.
INEC has said it intends to use the revalidation and cleaning process to strengthen the register before the 2027 polls.