2027: INEC, NIMC partner to eliminate duplicate voter records

Strengthening Electoral Integrity through Digital Integration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a deepened collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to eliminate duplicate voter records and enhance data verification. This initiative is designed to strengthen the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections and beyond.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed the development during a courtesy visit from the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Amupitan noted that the partnership is anchored on the recently signed National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, which he described as a vital step toward a secure and transparent electoral framework.

The commission is focusing on deeper integration between its online Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) platform and NIMC’s database. Currently, the CVR platform requires applicants to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) for identity verification, a process both agencies intend to simplify and expand to ensure the integrity of the voter roll.

Transitioning to a National Digital Trust Framework

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote explained that the NIMC Act, 2026, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 26, 2026, marks a historic transformation for the agency. The legislation elevates NIMC from a traditional identity custodian to the nation’s foundational digital identity authority.

This new legal status establishes NIMC as the home of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Root Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). These systems provide the digital trust framework necessary for secure transactions, governance, and identity verification across both public and private sectors.

NIMC is ready to support INEC in delivering free, fair and transparent elections because identity remains the foundation of effective governance and credible electoral processes.

— Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, NIMC

Safeguarding Data in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

As Nigeria transitions toward more advanced digital systems, INEC has emphasized the need for robust protocols to protect the security of national data. Prof. Amupitan highlighted that the move toward artificial intelligence requires proactive measures to ensure that data systems remain credible and resistant to manipulation.

As we move from the era of technology into the era of artificial intelligence, it is imperative that we work together to establish the necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure the integrity, security and credibility of our data systems.

— Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman, INEC

Dr. Alba Nkoku, Director of Strategy and Programme Office at NIMC, presented the highlights of the new Act, noting that it repositions the commission as a digital trust anchor. He explained that the legislation introduces digital identity credentials that go beyond the conventional card system, further strengthening Nigeria’s digital sovereignty.

Future Outlook for National Digital Governance

The INEC chairman commended the leadership of NIMC for the progress recorded in the country’s digital transformation. He expressed optimism that the synergy between the two agencies will not only improve elections but also transform sectors such as commerce, land administration, and general governance.

By ensuring that every voter record is verified against a secure national database, both commissions aim to foster greater public confidence in future democratic exercises. The partnership is expected to create a more efficient registration process while significantly reducing the potential for electoral fraud through robust identity verification.