The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed 1,277,252 invalid voter registration records from Nigeria’s voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development followed an examination of the voter database, during which the commission reportedly identified approximately 1.5 million suspicious registration records.
According to a report published by The Sun on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the commission discovered irregularities involving questionable photographs, manipulated biometric information, and other registration details.
The irregularities were reportedly detected through INEC’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), which helps identify duplicate, suspicious, and fraudulent voter registration records.
The commission confirmed that 1,277,252 records were invalid and subsequently removed, while approximately 268,000 other records remained subject to further verification.
Some registration officials were also reportedly implicated in the alleged introduction of fake photographs, AI-generated images, and manipulated biometric details into the registration system.
The development comes as INEC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the integrity of the voters’ register remaining a major concern among electoral stakeholders.
The commission is expected to publish the final certified voters’ register on December 15, 2026, ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The latest exercise is part of efforts to strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral register and prevent the participation of ineligible voters in future elections.
