2027: Why we’re yet to print over 2.9m PVCs — INEC
INEC Purges Voter Register Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced significant updates to Nigeria’s voter registration processes during a press conference held in Abuja, revealing the removal of over 1.6 million invalid and deceased registrants from the national voter roll in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan reported that the commission has successfully purged 1,609,553 records, which include 1,608,660 confirmed invalid registrations and 873 verified deceased voters. “The Commission recognizes that the detection of irregularities raises legitimate questions about their origins. Our response involves evidence-led investigations, corrective measures, and enhanced preventive controls,” he stated.
Regarding the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for individuals who registered in the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Amupitan explained that the distribution of PVCs from the first two phases is ongoing at local government areas (LGAs) across the country. “Some PVCs from the third phase are currently being delivered and will be dispatched to states by next week,” he said. He urged patience from third-phase registrants as the PVC production process takes place outside the country.
The CVR’s third phase saw a total of 2,970,257 registrants before INEC conducted its de-duplication protocol. The recent clean-up of the voter register was prompted by public outcry and scrutiny over irregularities identified in a preliminary register displayed from October 9 to 15, 2026.
A comprehensive audit using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) revealed systemic issues, including unusual registration patterns, substituted photographs, and cases of fraudulent multiple registrations. The investigation also implicated 54 INEC staff members across 10 states who allegedly exploited their positions, bypassing standard operating protocols and misusing provisions aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, such as persons with disabilities. Disciplinary actions and potential prosecutions are underway against those involved.
Responding to inquiries regarding ongoing court cases involving political figures, Amupitan emphasized that INEC relies on authenticated legal documents and not on speculative information. “As of today, we have not received the Certified True Copy of the court judgment regarding the ADC and Atiku cases. Our actions are based on verified legal instruments,” he clarified.
INEC noted that while the recent clean-up addressed immediate irregularities, legacy duplications in historical data from 2011 to 2023 continue to pose challenges. The commission’s board has directed that flagged entries from prior cycles be removed after thorough verification.
To enhance the integrity of the upcoming elections, INEC reiterated its commitment to implementing robust measures. These will include mandatory physical voter presence and biometric authentication through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), ensuring the prevention of multiple voting and unauthorized accreditation.
