The preliminary-register portal of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) displayed no register when Premium Times checked on Oct. 21, raising questions about online access during a legally required public review.
INEC Chair Joash Amupitan set Oct. 9–15 for public inspection of the voter roll. Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026, requires copies at registration areas and on a commission website for seven days of public scrutiny.
Premium Times’ observation came six days after the scheduled display ended. The Foundation for Investigative Journalism also reported finding no preliminary register on the portal on Oct. 18. Both checks occurred after the review period, so they do not establish what the portal displayed from Oct. 9 to 15.
INEC spokesperson Mohammed Haruna told Premium Times the commission had displayed the register at registration areas during that period and was compiling claims and objections. The outlet said Haruna had not answered a follow-up question about online publication.
The website requirement provides another way to inspect the roll for voters who cannot readily visit a registration area. A registered voter whose name is missing can submit a claim. Any person may object to an entry for someone who is unqualified or deceased. Section 19(2) gives INEC 14 days after display to accept and consider both kinds of submissions.
Physical access has also drawn conflicting accounts in Lagos. The state INEC office said it displayed the register in all 245 registration areas. ARISE News reported that access in Alimosho was available only on request during limited hours and that residents could inspect only their own names.
Amupitan said on Oct. 6 that the national register contained 103 million voters. INEC’s schedule sets the presidential and National Assembly elections for Jan. 16, 2027. The commission expects to present the register to political parties on Dec. 15.
