The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the removal of 1,608,660 invalid voter registrations from Nigeria’s voter register as part of an extensive verification and data-cleansing exercise aimed at strengthening the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
According to the commission, the action followed a rigorous review of the preliminary voter register that was displayed for public scrutiny in October. During the display period, stakeholders, political parties, civil society organizations, and members of the public submitted various claims, objections, and complaints regarding entries suspected to be invalid, duplicated, or otherwise ineligible for inclusion on the register.
INEC explained that the clean-up exercise was undertaken to address these concerns and ensure that only qualified and verified voters remain on the electoral roll. The commission emphasized that maintaining an accurate voter database is a critical component of conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
In addition to the removal of over 1.6 million invalid registrations, the commission disclosed that 876 voters confirmed to be deceased were also deleted from the register after undergoing the necessary verification procedures. INEC noted that the removal of deceased persons is part of its continuous effort to keep the voter register current and reflective of eligible living voters across the country.
The electoral body reiterated its commitment to transparency and compliance with electoral laws, stating that the entire review process was carried out in accordance with established legal and administrative guidelines. The exercise forms part of broader preparations to improve public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and reduce the likelihood of irregularities during future elections.
INEC further revealed that the updated and cleaned-up voter register will be officially published on December 16, 2026, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act. The publication will provide Nigerians, political parties, and other stakeholders with access to the final register ahead of forthcoming electoral activities.
The commission maintained that continuous voter register maintenance remains essential to safeguarding the democratic process, ensuring that only legitimate voters are captured in the database, and promoting the transparency and credibility of elections nationwide.
