The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate reports that deceased Nigerians, including prominent public figures, remain on the national voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party expressed concern over the reported inclusion of names such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Anambra Central Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and media entrepreneur Raymond Dokpesi, all of whom are deceased.
In a statement signed by its National Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the NDC questioned the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register, asking how many deceased persons might still be listed across the country’s 774 local government areas.
The party also questioned when INEC last conducted a comprehensive update of the register, urging the electoral body to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported cases.
It maintained that INEC has a legal responsibility to maintain an accurate voters’ register and address complaints brought to its attention by citizens.
The NDC called on Nigerians and political parties to exercise their legal rights by filing objections against names they believe should not appear on the register.
It also urged INEC to establish an online portal where members of the public could submit objections, track complaints and access information on the procedures for challenging questionable entries.
According to the party, individuals whose names are challenged should be given an opportunity to respond, particularly where complaints concern persons who are still alive.
The NDC further called on the commission to make its objection procedures publicly available to ensure transparency and encourage citizens’ participation in cleaning up the register.
It argued that INEC, as a publicly funded institution, must demonstrate efficiency, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of its responsibilities.
The party also demanded an independent and impartial audit of INEC’s processes and operational mechanisms, citing concerns arising from the credibility challenges surrounding the 2023 general elections.
It said the 2027 elections were too important for unresolved questions about the integrity of the voters’ register, insisting that the commission must demonstrate its readiness to conduct credible polls.
The statement stressed that Nigerians deserved an accurate, updated and verifiable voters’ register as a foundation for credible elections.
