The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the National Register of Voters has exceeded 103 million, as the country prepares for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This update was shared by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a workshop for editors held in Abuja on October 5, 2026.
Amupitan indicated that the latest figures reflect the completion of three phases of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) which successfully registered over 10 million new voters. The first phase, which ran from August to December 2025, registered 2.6 million voters, while the second phase saw an increase to 4.1 million registered between January and April 2026. The final phase concluded with approximately 3.9 million new applicants from May to July 2026.
In addition to the voter registration figures, Amupitan highlighted that the nationwide distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) is set to commence on October 9, 2026. This initiative aims to streamline the voting process and ensure adequate preparation for the elections.
To further enhance electoral integrity, INEC plans to deploy new technology and strengthen surveillance against vote-buying. A collaboration with various federal agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, will focus on monitoring financial transactions during the elections. Amupitan stressed that attempts at vote-buying would lead to immediate arrest and prosecution.
INEC has also introduced new devices, acquiring 57,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) to improve accuracy in the electoral process. These devices have undergone enhancements to prevent manipulation and ensure robust performance on election day.
As part of efforts to combat misinformation and cyber threats, Amupitan urged media professionals to prioritize fact-checking and verification as the elections approach. INEC also established an early-warning system to monitor political violence and hate speech, promising stringent measures against any party or candidate engaging in such behavior.
Amupitan reaffirmed the Commission’s impartial stance, emphasizing its commitment to uphold democratic principles and serve the Nigerian electorate without bias.
