INEC Integrates NIN to Clean Voter Register for 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has integrated National Identification Numbers (NIN) to audit and clean the national voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections. Acting Chairman Rhoda Gumus announced the measure during a meeting in Abuja with an African Union (AU) Pre-Election Needs Assessment Mission, stating the goal is to ensure the integrity of a voter population approaching 100 million.

Led by former Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen, the AU delegation is conducting a consultative exercise to identify gaps and risks in Nigeria's electoral preparedness. The mission is evaluating voter registration, funding, security coordination, and the inclusion of women and youth. Gumus highlighted the successful performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal in recent off-cycle elections.

To further secure the process, Gumus requested AU support for training personnel on digital tools and countering AI-generated disinformation and deepfakes. She emphasized that electoral integrity is a collective responsibility involving security agencies, civil society, and political parties.