Buhari, Dokpesi, Others: NDC Questions INEC Over Deceased Nigerians on Voters’ Register
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove deceased Nigerians allegedly appearing on the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party specifically mentioned former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Anambra State Governor Ifeanyi Ubah, former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and former chairman of DAAR Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, among those reportedly appearing on the electoral register despite their deaths.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, the spokesperson of the NDC National Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, questioned the accuracy of the register and demanded an explanation from the electoral commission.
The party also raised concerns about the possibility of other deceased Nigerians remaining on the register across the country’s 774 local government areas.
“These are just a few names. What about the 774 local government areas across Nigeria? How many deceased persons remain on the register? When was it last comprehensively updated?” the statement queried.
The NDC argued that INEC had a responsibility to ensure the register was accurate and remove the names of deceased persons, particularly where citizens had formally notified the commission of their deaths.
It called on the electoral body to explain when it last conducted a comprehensive review of the voters’ register and establish the extent of the reported irregularities.
The party also proposed the creation of an online portal where names being challenged could be published, allowing individuals whose registrations were questioned to respond and establish whether they were still alive.
It urged Nigerians and political parties to exercise their statutory rights by submitting objections against questionable entries.
The NDC further called for an independent and professional audit of INEC’s registration processes, citing concerns about the credibility of the 2023 general elections.
The demand comes amid growing scrutiny of INEC’s preliminary voters’ register following public concerns over questionable photographs, suspected AI-generated images and other irregularities.
In a clarification issued on October 27, INEC said the preliminary register published on its website was the same document previously displayed physically at registration areas nationwide between October 9 and 15.
The commission acknowledged that some questionable registration records had been identified during the exercise and flagged for further examination.
It explained that the published register was not the final certified version, as verification and data-cleanup activities were still ongoing.
INEC also assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed before the final Register of Voters is certified on December 15, 2026.
On Friday, October 30, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed that the commission had received more than 4,800 claims and approximately 600 objections concerning the preliminary register.
He said the commission would address identified discrepancies before certifying the final register.
The NDC maintained that the credibility of the 2027 elections depended partly on the accuracy and reliability of the voters’ database, insisting that INEC must address the concerns before the next general elections.
The commission is expected to complete its verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the December certification deadline.
