SOAI Threatens Legal Action Against INEC Over Voters’ Register, Demands 8-Day Election Extension

The Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) has threatened legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the delayed online publication of the preliminary voters’ register for the 2027 general elections, demanding an eight-day extension of the electoral timetable to compensate for the lost period of public scrutiny.

In a formal pre-action notice dated October 28, 2026, and addressed to INEC Chairman, the organisation gave the commission three days to provide a satisfactory written response and outline concrete measures to address concerns about access to the register, alleged irregularities and the process for correcting voters’ information.

SOAI, which advocates democratic accountability and electoral integrity, said INEC’s decision to upload the preliminary register online on October 26 did not resolve concerns arising from the delay.

The commission had physically displayed the register at registration areas nationwide from October 9 to 15, but published it online after the October 18 deadline identified by the organisation under Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026. The provision requires the register to be displayed or published for public scrutiny within the period stipulated by law.

SOAI argued that the late online publication deprived Nigerians, particularly those unable to visit physical display centres, of timely access to the register. It maintained that uploading the document after the statutory deadline could not automatically restore the opportunity for scrutiny that it said had been lost.

The organisation also raised concerns about reports that some users, including Nigerians living abroad, had encountered “Service Restricted” messages when attempting to access the online platform. It called on INEC to remove what it described as arbitrary limits on the frequency and scope of access to the register.

Another major concern highlighted in the notice was the reported appearance of suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and alleged duplicate voter records bearing identical photographs or other identifying information under different voter numbers.

SOAI called for a transparent investigation into the allegations, including an examination of the commission’s biometric verification and data-validation procedures. The allegations have not, however, established that the entire register is compromised.

INEC said on October 27 that it was investigating suspicious photographs and reviewing questionable registration records identified during the physical display exercise. The commission explained that the online version was the original preliminary register and did not reflect all ongoing data-cleaning activities.

It also stressed that the preliminary register was not the final certified document and that verified irregularities would be addressed before certification, scheduled for December 15, 2026.

SOAI further questioned whether an effective and accessible mechanism was available for voters and other stakeholders to submit complaints, objections and correction requests after discovering errors in the online register.

Citing Sections 19(2), 19(3) and 19(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, the group said the process of publishing the register must be accompanied by a meaningful opportunity to challenge omissions, incorrect particulars, the inclusion of deceased persons and other suspected irregularities.

Among its 10 demands, the organisation asked INEC to explain the delay, clarify how the statutory 14-day period for claims and objections would be calculated, establish a clear complaint and correction process, and investigate the reported access restrictions.

It also called for the commission to identify and take appropriate action against any official found responsible for failing to comply with the law, subject to due process. The group further urged INEC to ensure that material discrepancies are addressed before the final register is certified and published.

The proposed eight-day extension, SOAI said, was intended to restore the opportunity for public scrutiny it believes was lost and should be accompanied by consequential adjustments to the relevant election timetable.

The organisation warned that it would consider approaching a competent court if INEC failed to respond satisfactorily within three days of receiving the notice.

INEC has not been reported as having responded specifically to SOAI’s October 28 pre-action notice. Its separate statement on the suspected photographs said the commission was reviewing the records and would take appropriate action based on verified findings.

The dispute comes as INEC continues preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the accuracy and accessibility of the voters’ register emerging as key issues in efforts to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.