Real reason we’re revalidating voter cards – INEC Chairman, Amupitan

Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why the commission decided to revalidate voter cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the planned nationwide revalidation of voter cards ahead of the 2027 general elections is aimed at correcting discrepancies in the country’s voter register.

Speaking on Arise News on Friday, Amupitan disclosed that the commission’s current database, which puts registered voters at about 93 million, does not accurately reflect reality.

Speaking on Arise News on Friday, Amupitan said that INEC’s records have about 93 million voters, which is inaccurate.

Recall that INEC had decided to embark on a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The directive was contained in an internal memo dated 2 April, signed by Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and addressed to all resident electoral commissioners.

However, speaking on the development, Amupitan said, “The decision to revalidate the voter register was taken even before I became INEC Chairman.

“Our records show we have about 93 million voters, which is inaccurate. This is the measure used locally and internationally to decide whether our election is credible or not. Oh, voter apathy, the turnout is low.”