The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally published the preliminary register of voters for the 2027 general elections online.Nigeria news updates

This follows criticism over its failure to make the register available on its website within the timeframe prescribed by law.

The commission announced the decision on Monday night.

It said the preliminary register could now be accessed through its online platform to enable registered voters to inspect their details and raise objections where necessary.

INEC disclosed this in a statement issued by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to the commission, the online publication followed concerns raised by Nigerians and other stakeholders about access to the register after the conclusion of the physical display exercise conducted nationwide between October 9 and 15, 2026.

Accordingly, and in furtherance of its commitment to transparency, accessibility and public confidence in the electoral process, the Commission has decided to make available on its online platform https://display.inecnigeria.org the same Preliminary Register of Voters earlier displayed at the Registration Areas,” the statement read.

INEC said the online publication was intended to complement the physical display and provide more Nigerians with an opportunity to check their voter information ahead of the 2027 elections.

The commission explained that the physical display was conducted in accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which provides for the inspection of the preliminary voters’ register and the submission of claims and objections concerning information contained in it.

This additional measure complements the physical display already undertaken and is intended to facilitate wider public access to the Register,” the statement added.

The publication comes days after the commission was accused of failing to comply with the Electoral Act by not publishing the preliminary register online within the stipulated period.

Under Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC is required to appoint a seven-day period, not later than 90 days before a general election, during which copies of the voters’ register must be displayed or published for public scrutiny at registration areas and on the commission’s official website or another website established for that purpose.

A report noted that the presidential and National Assembly elections were scheduled for January 16, 2027, making October 18 the deadline for the commission to meet the 90-day requirement relating to the display and publication exercise.

Although INEC conducted the physical display between October 9 and 15, the preliminary register was reportedly unavailable on its online portal when the deadline passed.

According to the report, the website continued to display a message stating, “There are currently no preliminary registers to display. Please check back later,” when it was checked on October 18 and again on October 21.

INEC’s failure to publish the register online within the stipulated period attracted criticism from Nigerians and raised questions about the commission’s compliance with the new electoral law.

A Lagos-based legal practitioner, Mujeeb Abdulwasiu, described the alleged failure as a breach of the law, arguing that the commission was required to make the register available both physically and online.

“It’s clearly a breach,” he said.

Mr Abdulwasiu maintained that the requirement was time-bound and that the commission was expected to provide access to the register at registration areas as well as through its online platform.

“Not only that they are required to publish for public scrutiny, such publication is time bound,” he added.

“So two things, it is time-bound within 90 days to the general election, and not only that they are required to publish online, but they are also required to publish in each of the local governments.”

Section 19(5) of the Electoral Act also prescribes penalties for an INEC official who fails to display or publish the register as required by law. The provision stipulates a punishment of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of ₦100,000 or both.

The controversy had also prompted reactions from Nigerians on social media, with some accusing the commission of disregarding the law and calling for greater accountability in preparations for the 2027 elections.

One social media user, identified as @mundus01, wrote, “INEC has disregarded the Electoral Act by failing to publish the voters’ register online for public scrutiny, even after the statutory 90-day deadline has passed.”

Another user, @MallamJabeer, expressed concern about the implications of the delay, saying, “This is not something to ignore. Nigerians deserve transparency, accountability and a credible electoral process.”

Meanwhile, INEC said it was continuing to receive and process claims and objections arising from the exercise as it worked towards producing the final register.

The commission stated that it was targeting December 15, for the certification and publication of the final register of voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The Commission appreciates the continued interest and constructive engagement of Nigerians and stakeholders and reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability and the faithful implementation of the Electoral Act, 2026 in delivering credible elections,” the statement said.