Yiaga Africa questions delay in online voters’ register

The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the voters’ register online ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the requirement is backed by law.

Itodo made the call on Friday during an appearance on Politics Today, amid growing demands from opposition politicians and civil society organisations for greater transparency in the electoral process.

He cited Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026, which he said requires INEC to display the register at designated physical locations and publish it on its website or another officially approved platform.

According to him, the law provides for a claims and objections exercise to enable eligible voters to verify their details and challenge inaccuracies in the register before an election.

“The law is very clear in Section 19 of the 2026 Electoral Act,” Itodo said, explaining that the provision makes online publication mandatory.

He acknowledged that INEC had indicated that the physical display of the register and the claims and objections exercise had taken place across the country.

However, he expressed concern that the register was not available on the commission’s website or any other officially designated online platform.

Itodo argued that displaying the register physically without making it available online would not fully satisfy the legal requirement.

He urged INEC to explain the delay, warning that the absence of a public explanation could raise questions about transparency and electoral preparations.

“This silence does not inspire confidence, so INEC needs to explain to the people,” he said.

The Yiaga Africa executive director maintained that compliance with the relevant electoral provisions was essential to strengthening public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.