The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed 1,609,533 records from the voters’ register following its review of the 2025/2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise. The commission also identified 54 staff members across 10 states allegedly involved in registration irregularities, warning that they could face disciplinary action and possible prosecution.INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Monday, November 9, in Abuja, explaining that the figure includes 1,608,660 confirmed invalid registrations and 873 records belonging to verified deceased persons.
He said the irregularities included suspected multiple registrations, manipulated photographs, unusual registration patterns and deliberate circumvention of registration procedures. However, he cautioned that records flagged by the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System were not automatically invalid, as each case had to undergo further verification.Amupitan also announced new measures to strengthen the registration process, including a ban on web cameras for capturing voters’ photographs, with an app-based camera system to be introduced instead. INEC has also approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence governance framework to guide the responsible use of AI in its operations.The commission said its final register of voters is scheduled for publication on December 15, 2026, while investigations into staff involvement and efforts to address historical irregularities in the elections.
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.