Ahead of the 2027 general election, a cross-section of Nigerian lawyers, have counselled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen transparency and public access to electoral information.
They also called for compliance with statutory requirements, adding that the Commission should provide timely explanations whenever figures change or credible discrepancies emerge on issues concerning the election.
The lawyers, drawn from Law Corridor, at a press conference in Abuja, identified accurate voter records, lawful electoral procedures and meaningful public scrutiny as essential foundations for credible elections.
The call followed concerns in some quarters that the electoral commission should be thorough in carrying out its responsibilities ahead of the elections.
The Managing Partner of the law firm, Henry Kelechukwu Eniotu, cited Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026, saying it addresses the display or publication of the voters’ register, and Section 77.
According to him, the Section deals with political parties’ membership registers and their submission to INEC before primaries, congresses and conventions.
He urged INEC to communicate applicable timelines clearly, provide accessible opportunities for voters to inspect their records and establish effective procedures for claims, objections and corrections.
Eniotu noted that the Commission should explain how compliance with political parties’ membership register requirements would be verified and enforced, while observing lawful safeguards for personal information.
He also called for transparency in the publication of voter registration figures, insisting that INEC should distinguish between applications received, completed registrations and the final number of eligible registered voters.
According to him, political parties must maintain accurate membership records and comply with their statutory obligations, with the same standards applied consistently to all parties and candidates.