The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that Nigeria's national voters register has surpassed 103 million, marking a significant milestone ahead of the 2027 general elections. This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a strategic workshop for editors in Abuja on Monday.

The increase in the voter register follows the completion of a three-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which resulted in 10,772,421 new registrations, pending verification by the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). Amupitan stated, "Following the conclusion of our three-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, our Voter Register Department has completed the final ABIS cleanup. Nigeria’s National Register of Voters is now over 103 million."

This achievement follows earlier projections by INEC, which had anticipated crossing the 100 million mark as early as August, when the register stood at over 93 million. The chairman also announced that the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) would commence on October 9, 2026, urging the media to disseminate information about collection points to ensure registered voters can obtain their cards promptly.

In preparation for the elections, INEC has acquired 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, which have undergone rigorous testing to enhance their performance and prevent electoral fraud. Amupitan emphasized the importance of technological upgrades, stating that these measures are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Moreover, the commission is taking a strong stance against vote-buying, collaborating with the Ministry of Justice and anti-corruption agencies to combat this issue. Amupitan warned political actors against attempting to buy votes, asserting that any party or candidate found engaging in such practices would face immediate legal consequences under the Electoral Act 2026.

As the country gears up for the elections, Amupitan highlighted the need for improved logistics and technology to ensure a smooth voting process. He expressed a desire for simultaneous voting across all polling units, stating, "I want to see a general election where voting starts in all the polling units in Nigeria at the same time."

INEC has also initiated early procurement and distribution of non-sensitive election materials and has begun nationwide assessments to identify potential challenges ahead of the election day. The commission aims to enhance transparency in the management of election results, learning from the challenges faced during the 2023 elections.

The chairman concluded by urging media professionals to prioritize factual accuracy to help build trust in the electoral process. He stated, "When newsrooms prioritise factual accuracy over sensational headlines, you perform a sacred public service."

As Nigeria approaches the January 16, 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, the importance of a credible electoral process remains paramount, with INEC and various stakeholders working towards ensuring that the upcoming elections are fair and transparent.