Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to make the preliminary voters’ register available for public scrutiny, warning that the development could undermine confidence in the 2027 general election.
Atiku demanded the immediate publication of the register, which INEC reportedly said contained more than 103 million registered voters, questioning why it was allegedly unavailable on the commission’s online portal during the announced scrutiny period of October 9 to 15.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described the alleged failure to display the register as an affront to electoral transparency.
“INEC has announced more than 103 million registered voters. Nigerians went to its portal to inspect the names and found an empty page. That is an outrage,” he said.
“A figure cannot answer an objection. A press announcement cannot tell a voter whether her name has been omitted. Show Nigerians the register,” he added.
The former vice president questioned INEC’s handling of the exercise, citing Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which he said requires the voters’ register to be displayed at registration areas and online for public scrutiny.
Atiku also questioned the timeline announced by the commission, alleging that INEC’s chairman had reportedly said on October 5 that the public display had already been completed, while Nigerians were subsequently informed that the exercise would run from October 9 to 15.
“Which statement is true? Where was the register published? For seven full days, or for no days at all?” he asked.
He urged the electoral commission to provide the dates, links and access records relating to the publication of the register, insisting that Nigerians deserved clear answers.
“I cannot recall a more brazen invitation to distrust the voter register,” Atiku said.
He further raised concerns over Section 63(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which he said permits a returning officer to count a ballot paper without INEC’s official mark if satisfied that it came from a book supplied to the polling unit.
Atiku questioned the safeguards for establishing the origin of such ballot papers and preventing counterfeit ballots from being counted.
“What evidence will establish that origin? Who will verify it, and how will parties challenge a false claim?” he asked.
“Nigerians cannot be denied access to the voters’ register before election day and then be asked to accept unmarked ballot papers after voting,” he added.
The ADC chieftain called on INEC to establish enforceable safeguards against counterfeit ballots and urged the National Assembly to address any loopholes that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
“INEC must set out enforceable safeguards against counterfeit ballots, and the National Assembly must close any loophole that leaves the authenticity of a vote to an officer’s unsupported assurance,” he said.
The statement also alleged that INEC had yet to respond to inquiries about the identities of companies awarded contracts to print sensitive election materials.
Atiku maintained that the ADC and its presidential candidate had the right to demand transparency from the electoral commission regarding the procedures that would guide the 2027 presidential election.
Addressing President Bola Tinubu directly, the former vice president linked the demand for electoral transparency to the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.
“Let me address Bola Tinubu directly: Nigerians are struggling to put food on the table, and too many are afraid for their lives and livelihoods,” he said.
“You will not add an unseen voters’ register to their suffering and call it a route to another four years in office,” Atiku added.
He urged the President to address the concerns of Nigerians, accusing his administration of presiding over worsening economic hardship and insecurity.
“You cannot hide their names from scrutiny and then ask them to trust the election conducted with that list,” he said.
Atiku insisted that Nigerians had the right to inspect the voters’ register, challenge false entries and correct omissions before the election.
“If that right is denied, we will challenge it in the open and through every lawful means available,” he warned.