INEC sets December 15 to publish final voters’ register

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed December 15, 2026, for the final publication of the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission also addresses concerns over AI-generated photographs found on the preliminary register.

Speaking at the South-South Zonal Interactive Meeting with INEC staff in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, stated that the commission is examining the anomalies for possible corrective action. He urged Nigerians to participate fully in the ongoing display, claims, and objections process.

“The commission is reviewing the photographs and will take necessary steps based on verified findings,” Amupitan said.

The INEC chairman disclosed that the South-South geopolitical zone currently holds 15,823,550 registered voters, with Rivers State alone accounting for 3,736,434. He assured the public that no eligible voter would be disenfranchised through administrative negligence or logistical failures.

Amupitan announced a finalised Memorandum of Understanding with the Maritime Transporters Union to secure the transportation of personnel and materials to riverine communities, in order to address the geographical complexities of the South-South.

The commission is also strengthening its technological infrastructure, auditing its electronic result management systems and preparing to deploy 57,000 newly procured Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices.

Amupitan also issued a stern warning against anyone attempting to threaten electoral officials, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He warned electoral officers against partisanship or financial impropriety, stressing that such conduct will attract disciplinary action.

INEC has implemented the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure (CEMBSS) and increased monthly overhead allocations to state offices by 150 per cent, to improve staff welfare.