Atiku Abubakar Critiques Tinubu, INEC on Voter Register Access

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to make the preliminary voters’ register accessible for public inspection prior to the 2027 general election. In a statement from Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku demanded the immediate publication of the register, which includes over 103 million registered voters.

He expressed outrage that during the inspection period from October 9 to 15, Nigerians found an empty page on INEC's portal. Atiku cited Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates the display of the register for public scrutiny.

He questioned the timing of INEC's announcements regarding the inspection period and raised concerns about the counting of unmarked ballot papers as per Section 63(2) of the same act. Atiku insisted on transparency regarding contracts for printing election materials and emphasized that Nigerians should have the right to inspect the voters’ register and correct any discrepancies.