The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded answers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over reports that deceased Nigerians, including prominent politicians, remain on the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said the reported inclusion of deceased persons such as Raymond Dokpesi, Ifeanyi Ubah, Muhammadu Buhari and Rotimi Akeredolu raises serious questions about the accuracy and integrity of the electoral register.
In a statement signed by its National Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the party questioned the number of deceased persons who might still appear on the register across the country’s 774 local government areas.
The NDC also demanded clarification on when INEC last conducted a comprehensive update of the register and whether the reported cases resulted from an oversight, institutional failure or other concerns.
The party said the electoral commission had a legal responsibility to remove deceased persons from the register, particularly when citizens had notified it of their deaths.
It called on INEC to provide Nigerians with answers and ensure the register was credible, up-to-date and verifiable before the 2027 elections.
The NDC urged Nigerians and political parties to exercise their rights by filing objections with the electoral body to facilitate the removal of deceased persons and other questionable names.
It also called on INEC to investigate complaints, establish a portal for publishing names under objection and provide an opportunity for individuals who are still alive to respond to allegations against them.
The party further demanded that the electoral commission publish clear procedures for challenging names considered to have been illegally included in the register.
According to the statement, INEC must demonstrate accountability to Nigerians, who fund its operations.
“The electoral body is a well-funded organisation paid for by citizens, and therefore must provide value for money,” the party said.
The NDC maintained that Nigerians expected the electoral commission to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, professionalism and accountability.
It said INEC must demonstrate its capacity, competence and commitment to conducting elections whose credibility could not reasonably be questioned.
“This is not too much to ask; it is the bare minimum expected of an institution entrusted with the people’s democratic mandate,” the statement added.
The party also called for an independent, unbiased and professional audit of INEC’s processes and mechanisms, citing credibility challenges associated with the 2023 general elections.
It said the 2027 elections were too important for questions about the foundation of the country’s democracy to remain unanswered.
The NDC concluded by demanding action from the electoral commission, insisting that the integrity of the voters’ register must be addressed before the next general elections.
“No excuses. No complacency. No questionable register. INEC must do its job,” the statement said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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