103 Million Nigerians to Vote in 2027 as Lagos, Kano Lead Voter Register
About 103 million Nigerians are expected to participate in the 2027 general election, with Lagos and Kano recording the highest number of registered voters, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The figure means millions of Nigerians will have the opportunity to decide the country’s next set of leaders, while the electoral commission faces the task of ensuring that voters in urban centres, riverine communities and difficult terrains are not left out of the process.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while addressing a world press conference and stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
He said Lagos, Kano, Kaduna and Katsina states recorded the highest number of voters, adding that the commission had completed nine of the 14 milestones in its revised guidelines for the 2027 general election.
Amupitan said INEC had identified difficult terrains and put measures in place to ensure that citizens in riverine areas could participate in the election.
He added that transport unions were being engaged to review the memorandum of understanding they previously had with the commission to ensure smooth operations during the polls.
The INEC chairman said the commission would work with anti-graft agencies to track illicit campaign spending, vote-buying and other forms of inducement.
He warned that anyone found guilty would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Amupitan also said INEC would continue to engage stakeholders to promote inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities, and ensure their participation in all processes leading to the 2027 election.
He announced that the Register of Voters would be displayed from the 9th to the 15th of this month, while claims and objections would be addressed subsequently.
According to him, the register would be presented to political parties before the end of the year.
The INEC chairman said the commission would also provide adequate training for its personnel to improve service delivery.
He added that town hall meetings would be held across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to educate Nigerians on their rights and the need to participate fully in the election.
Amupitan called on Nigerians to cooperate with the commission, assuring them that INEC remained committed to neutrality, operational excellence and the integrity of the ballot box.
Police Promise Secure Polls
In a remark, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the police would use legitimate authority to ensure that citizens participated fully in the election.
Represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Francis Agu, Disu said the force would continue to review its operations to protect INEC facilities and officials.
He pledged that collaboration among security agencies would provide watertight security during the election, while urging law-abiding citizens to come out en masse and cast their votes.
Parties Seek Level Playing Field
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to INEC to remain impartial and provide a level playing field for all 22 registered political parties and their candidates.
He warned security agencies against taking sides with any candidate or political party, urging them to allow the will of Nigerians to prevail.
Representatives of the European Union and other international organisations stressed the need for INEC to remain transparent and conduct credible elections free from rancour and malpractice.
They promised to work with the commission and deploy observers across the 774 local government areas to monitor the general election.
