JUST IN: INEC Finds Deceased Names on Voters’ Register, Plans Nationwide Verification

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified the names of deceased Nigerians on the country’s voters’ register and announced plans for a nationwide verification exercise to clean up the database.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday during the commission’s first quarterly meeting with Civil Society Organisations. He said the review of the register revealed multiple ineligible entries, including names of people who are no longer alive.

According to him, the planned verification will focus on identifying and removing such entries to strengthen the credibility of the electoral roll.

Amupitan cited the recent off-cycle election in Anambra State as a trigger for the review. He said the register showed more than 2.9 million registered voters, but turnout was far lower than expected, prompting closer scrutiny of the data.

“After examining the register, we found that the names of several well-known Nigerians who have passed away were still listed,” he said. “This affects the integrity of the register, and we must correct it.”

He added that INEC is preparing for a comprehensive verification process across the country to ensure only eligible voters remain on the list.

The INEC chairman also confirmed that the commission has prepared a timetable for the 2027 general elections. However, its release has been put on hold pending possible amendments to the Electoral Act, which could affect the schedule.