ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said the number of registered voters in Nigeria is expected to cross the 100 million mark before the 2027 general elections, as it steps up preparations for the polls.
The commission said the anticipated increase from the current 93 million registered voters would make Nigeria the country with the largest voter population in Africa.
Vanguard reports that INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this on Tuesday during a joint implementation meeting involving the departments of Voter Education and Publicity and Gender and Inclusivity.
Haruna said the projected growth made it imperative for the commission to strengthen voter education, public communication and mobilisation ahead of the elections.
He urged officials responsible for voter education to communicate electoral information in simple and civil language while remaining conversant with the Constitution, Electoral Act, INEC guidelines and other relevant laws.
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The meeting, attended by heads of voter education from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, focused on developing a coordinated communication and inclusivity roadmap for the 2027 elections.
According to the commission, the roadmap will prioritise voter mobilisation, public confidence and equal access to the electoral process.
Haruna said the experience from recent off-cycle elections, including the Osun governorship poll, meant INEC would have to intensify its preparations to deliver what he described as the freest and most credible general elections in the country’s history.
The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the commission, under Professor Joash Amupitan, remained committed to credible and inclusive elections.
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Oketola described the meeting as important to developing an actionable communication strategy ahead of the 2027 polls.
He said voter education and publicity remained the “human face and voice” of INEC, as they were responsible for simplifying electoral procedures and building public trust.
He, however, warned that misinformation and disinformation could pose serious threats to voter confidence and participation ahead of the elections.
According to him, INEC’s response must involve proactive and continuous public engagement rather than relying solely on conventional announcements.
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Oketola said the commission would need to explain electoral technologies, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Results Viewing portal, while reinforcing public understanding of the ballot process.
On inclusivity, he said the commission would continue to promote access for persons with disabilities, women, youths and elderly voters.
He listed measures such as Braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, priority queues for vulnerable voters and expanded youth participation through Continuous Voter Registration.
Oketola said the commission was determined to make the 2027 elections a new benchmark for electoral access and inclusivity in Nigeria.