Atiku demands publication of 103 million voters’ register ahead of elections

FORMER Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for immediate publication of the preliminary voters register, saying its absence during the announced scrutiny period raises concerns about integrity of 2027 election.

Reacting on Thursday through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said Nigerians who visited INEC portal to inspect names found no register.

“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. A figure cannot answer an objection.

Show Nigerians the register,” he said.

Atiku cited Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires display at registration areas and online, saying the provision should be complied with.

“INEC announced a seven-day exercise and then failed to make the register available on the portal provided for public scrutiny. Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 requires display at registration areas and online. INEC does not get to treat that requirement as optional,” he said.

He also asked INEC to clarify conflicting dates on display of register, noting that INEC chairman was reported to have said on October 5 that display had been completed, while subsequent announcement fixed it for October 9 to 15.

“Which statement is true? Where was the register published? For seven full days, or for no days at all? INEC must produce the dates, the links and the records of access, Atiku said.

He further raised concern over Section 63(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 which permits returning officer to count ballot paper without INEC official mark if satisfied it came from book supplied to polling unit.

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“What evidence will establish that origin? Who will verify it, and how will parties challenge a false claim? Nigerians cannot be denied access to voters register before election day and then be asked to accept unmarked ballot papers after voting. INEC must set out enforceable safeguards against counterfeit ballots,” he said.

According to the statement, INEC has yet to respond to inquiries about companies awarded contracts to print sensitive election materials.