Popular Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye has raised concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, warning that alleged irregularities in the voters’ register could undermine the electoral process if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fails to act promptly.
Okinbaloye issued the warning on Friday night during Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, where he alleged that attempts to manipulate the voters’ register were already emerging ahead of the next general election.
According to the journalist, reported concerns include underage voter registration, multiple registrations, and the inclusion of ghost voters in the electoral register.
He warned that the credibility of the 2027 election could be compromised before election day if the commission does not address potential irregularities in the register.
“The 2027 election is already being rigged right now. Not on election day. It is being rigged with the voters’ register. If INEC does not clean it up now, we are wasting our time,” Okinbaloye said.
Okinbaloye Calls for Immediate INEC Voters’ Register Audit
The Channels Television journalist called on INEC to begin a comprehensive audit and clean-up of the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general election.
He urged the electoral commission to identify and remove ineligible entries, including fake names, deceased voters, and underage individuals, as part of efforts to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Okinbaloye argued that waiting until election day to raise concerns about possible electoral manipulation could be too late, insisting that the integrity of the register is fundamental to credible elections.
He maintained that weaknesses in the register could create opportunities for electoral malpractice if left unaddressed.
“If the register is dirty, the election is dirty. INEC must act now,” he added.
2027 Election: Pressure Mounts for Credible Electoral Process
The warning comes as attention increasingly turns to preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general election and the safeguards required to ensure a credible electoral process.
The accuracy of the voters’ register is an important component of election administration because it helps determine who is eligible to vote and supports the organisation of polling activities.
Allegations involving underage registration, multiple registrations, and fictitious voter entries therefore raise questions about the need for effective verification and transparent register-management procedures.
However, the specific allegations cited by Okinbaloye would require independent verification by the relevant authorities before they can be treated as established facts.
INEC’s response and any steps it takes to investigate reported irregularities will be important in assessing the substance of the concerns and determining whether corrective action is necessary.
Okinbaloye’s central message is that efforts to protect the credibility of the 2027 election must begin well before voters head to the polls.
He urged the electoral commission to address potential weaknesses in the voters’ register now, warning that delays could undermine confidence in the outcome of the election.
As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general election, the management of the voters’ register is likely to remain an important issue in discussions about electoral transparency, accountability, and public trust.