The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove deceased Nigerians from the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Presidential Campaign Council (NPCC) raised concerns over reports that deceased public figures, including Raymond Dokpesi, Ifeanyi Ubah, former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, remain listed on the register.
In a statement issued on Friday, the council’s spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, questioned the accuracy of the voters’ register and demanded that INEC disclose when it was last comprehensively updated.
The council urged Nigerians and political parties to file legal objections against names they believe have been wrongly retained on the register.
It also called on INEC to establish an online platform where disputed names could be published, allowing living individuals whose details are challenged to respond.
The party further urged the commission to make public the procedures for contesting questionable entries to ensure transparency in the process.
According to the NDC, the reported cases have raised concerns about the number of deceased persons who may still be listed across the country’s 774 local government areas.
The party maintained that INEC had a legal responsibility to ensure that the voters’ register remained accurate and up to date, particularly where citizens had reported questionable entries.
The council also called for an independent audit of the commission’s processes, citing concerns over the credibility of the 2023 general elections.
It said INEC must demonstrate accountability, professionalism and efficiency in managing the voters’ register, stressing that public confidence in the electoral body would be crucial to the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
