Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make Nigeria’s preliminary register of voters accessible for public scrutiny, arguing that eligible voters must be able to verify their details before the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council.
The intervention follows INEC’s announcement that Nigeria’s national register contains more than 103 million registered voters after the completion of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and a biometric review of registration records.
Atiku said the reported size of the register was not enough to establish its accuracy, insisting that registered voters should be able to confirm that their names and details had been correctly captured.
Atiku Questions Access to Preliminary Register
The former vice-president raised concerns about the accessibility of the register during the public inspection period announced for October 9 to 15, 2026.
According to his statement, people who attempted to inspect the list through INEC’s online portal encountered an empty page. He questioned whether the register had been made available as expected and called on the commission to clarify the arrangements for public access.
These claims reflect Atiku’s account of the inspection process and require a response from INEC to establish precisely what was accessible online during the stated period.
The commission had announced a seven-day exercise intended to allow voters to inspect the preliminary register, identify omissions or questionable entries, and submit claims or objections.
Atiku urged INEC to provide clear information on when the register was displayed, where it could be accessed and how voters could exercise their right to challenge inaccurate records.
Why Voter Register Verification Matters
The accuracy of the voters’ register is a central part of preparations for a credible election. If eligible voters discover that their names have been omitted or their details recorded incorrectly, they need a clear and timely process for seeking corrections.
Atiku called on INEC to make the register available by local government area, area council and ward, saying that accessible records would help citizens check their information and raise objections where necessary.
He cited Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 in support of his position that the register should be displayed for public scrutiny at registration areas and online.
The commission’s response will be important in clarifying the status of the inspection exercise, the methods used to provide access and the procedures available to voters who believe their records are incorrect.
INEC Reports More Than 103 Million Registered Voters
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, announced on October 5 that the national register had exceeded 103 million following three phases of Continuous Voter Registration and the completion of a biometric clean-up process.
The exercise recorded more than 10.7 million new registrations before the final verification process, according to the commission’s reported figures.
INEC had also announced a public display period from October 9 to 15 for claims and objections. The relationship between that announcement, the subsequent processing of registration records and Atiku’s complaint about online access is now a key issue requiring clarification.
The total number of registered voters does not, by itself, show whether individual records are accurate or whether every voter was able to inspect the preliminary list. Public access and an effective process for correcting errors remain important elements of voter-register management.
Atiku Raises Additional Questions About Ballot Security
Beyond the register, Atiku questioned safeguards relating to the authentication of ballot papers, referring to provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 concerning ballot papers that do not bear INEC’s official mark.
He called for clear procedures to establish the authenticity of disputed ballot papers and ensure that political parties can challenge questionable ballots through recognised processes.
Atiku also urged the commission to provide information about companies contracted to print sensitive election materials, saying questions about the contractors had not received adequate responses.
These concerns form part of his broader call for transparency in election preparations. INEC’s explanations and any relevant official documentation will be necessary to assess the issues independently.
Transparency Becomes an Election-Readiness Test
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the debate over the register highlights the importance of clear communication between election officials, political parties and the electorate.
Voters need to know how to check their registration details, where to submit objections and what steps are available if their names are missing or their information is inaccurate. Political parties and observers also need access to reliable information to evaluate the process.
Atiku has asked INEC to publish the register and clarify the inspection arrangements. The commission’s response will help establish the facts surrounding the reported access problem and the measures available to address any outstanding claims or objections.
247NewsCheck.com will continue to follow the issue and report verified responses or further developments from INEC.
