INEC Uncovers Deceased Persons' Names on Voter Register, Plans Cleanup Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, revealed during a quarterly meeting in Abuja on February 4, 2026, that deceased persons' names were found on Nigeria's voter register.

This discovery has sparked worries about the register's integrity and the need for a cleanup exercise across the nation before the 2027 general elections. An example cited was the Anambra State governorship election where despite 2.9 million registered voters, only 600,000 people voted, representing a low turnout of about 20%.

The presence of names of deceased individuals, including known Nigerian politicians, on the register undermines trust in the electoral process. INEC is gearing up to conduct a nationwide verification exercise to remove ineligible names and ensure that only living, qualified citizens are captured in the electoral database.

The commission is also adjusting its timetable for upcoming state and general elections due to proposed changes in the Electoral Act.