Prof. Joash Amupitan, the INEC chairman, voices serious worries about the voter register. He points out that officials have not cleaned it thoroughly since 2011. Consequently, names of deceased people remain on the list.
For example, he mentions a prominent leader in Anambra who died 15 years ago. This person still appears in the register. Such errors harm the system’s credibility.
Reasons for Alarm
Outdated entries cause major issues. They lead to doubts about election fairness. Additionally low turnout in review processes worsens the problem. In Anambra, only 20 percent of people checked a 2.8 million voter list. Therefore many inaccuracies go unnoticed. The chairman urges action to fix this.
Historical Background
Nigeria’s voter register stays uncleaned for over a decade. Since 2011, new registrations add up without full reviews. However this practice invites errors. Deceased voters and duplicates build up over time. As a result, the register bloats and loses trust. Experts note similar problems in past elections.
Plans to Clean Up
INEC opens a claims and objections period on December 15. Citizens can verify and correct details then. Moreover the commission consolidates data afterward. Phase Two of Continuous Voter Registration starts on January 5, 2026. Officials move centers closer to communities for better access. In this way, they aim to boost participation.
Call for Public Help
The chairman asks Nigerians to join the cleanup. Civil society groups should spread awareness too. For instance, 9.8 million people pre-registered recently. However success depends on active involvement. Without it, problems persist.
Path Ahead
INEC leads efforts to restore confidence. These steps promise cleaner elections. In conclusion, Nigerians must support the process for a stronger democracy.
