Nigeria’s voter register exceeds 103 million ahead of 2027 general elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that Nigeria’s national voter register now includes more than 103 million registered voters in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

This milestone follows the conclusion of a three-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which saw over 10.7 million new voter registrations added to the database. INEC implemented several innovations during the third phase, including an Online Registration Portal designed to make registering more accessible by overcoming challenges related to distance and time constraints.

To enhance the voter experience and improve efficiency, INEC introduced printable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in line with the Electoral Act 2026. This measure aims to shorten the waiting period for voters to receive their cards, an important factor for timely participation in elections.

Additionally, the commission completed the public display of the Preliminary Register to allow voters to make claims and objections, followed by a thorough cleanup of the records using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). These steps are part of INEC’s ongoing efforts to verify voter records and safeguard the integrity of the electoral database.

INEC also highlighted the importance of its technological solutions during the recent Osun election, where PVC theft could have prevented affected voters from exercising their voting rights. The commission responded quickly by printing replacements and issuing downloadable PVCs to ensure voters remained enfranchised.

Collection of PVCs is set to begin nationwide on October 9, with Phase 1 PVCs already delivered to all local government centres. INEC has urged all registered voters to collect their cards promptly to avoid any disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 elections. The commission further cautioned the public to ignore unofficial channels claiming to offer new voter registrations.

This development is significant for Nigeria, reflecting both a growth in the participatory democracy and the ongoing modernization of the electoral processes. With over 103 million voters registered, the scale of engagement expected in the upcoming general elections is substantial, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in maintaining voter database integrity and accessibility.