2027 Election: Atiku Accuses INEC of Hiding Evidence, Protecting Voter Register Fraud Suspects

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of concealing evidence and shielding officials allegedly responsible for irregularities in the national voter register.

He warned that the controversy could undermine confidence in the 2027 general elections if the commission failed to identify those involved and subject the register to an independent forensic audit.

Atiku’s reaction followed INEC’s admission that AI-generated images and other irregularities had found their way into the voter register through registration officers.

According to him, the admission revealed serious weaknesses in the commission’s leadership and security procedures, raising concerns about the reliability of the database used by millions of Nigerians to exercise their voting rights.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku demanded that INEC disclose all relevant evidence, identify the officials involved and ensure their prosecution.

He dismissed the commission’s explanation of the breach as an attempt to escape accountability.

“That is a disgraceful evasion, not an answer. Even ordinary WhatsApp, Facebook and email accounts appear to have stronger security safeguards than those INEC’s ICT director described on national television. How can the database holding the votes of millions of Nigerians be less secure than a personal social media account?” he asked.

Atiku insisted that INEC must explain how the voter register was compromised and reveal the identities of all officers connected to the alleged misconduct.

He also questioned why those implicated had not been suspended or prosecuted.

“Amupitan cannot admit the misconduct, withhold the perpetrators’ identities and expect Nigerians to accept ignorance as an excuse. He must account for this failure now,” he said.

The former vice president further demanded an independent forensic audit, pointing to allegations that more than 20 million AI-generated images may have been involved in the controversy.

He cautioned the commission against removing questionable entries without retaining the digital evidence needed to investigate the incident.

“Preserve every voter record, image file, access log and audit trail. Let accredited independent experts, political parties, civil society and credible international observers examine the evidence. No disputed record should be certified until the audit is complete,” he said.

Atiku also accused INEC of refusing to meet opposition parties’ demands for transparency over companies engaged to produce sensitive election materials.

He said the commission must disclose the identities of the contractors and provide details of the security measures and operational procedures guiding their assignments.

According to him, opposition parties should have access to the same information available to the APC-led Federal Government.

Atiku warned that he would seek judicial intervention if INEC failed to release the requested information and account for the alleged irregularities.

“If INEC refuses to disclose the truth, we will go to court and compel it. Every official found to have tampered with the register must be prosecuted,” he said.

He also urged opposition politicians and the international community to demand transparency, an independent audit and sanctions against anyone found culpable.

The former vice president accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of allowing the situation to persist by failing to ensure that INEC was properly held accountable.

Atiku maintained that the commission could not expect Nigerians to have confidence in the electoral process while allegedly withholding evidence and protecting those responsible.

“Name the culprits, expose the contractors and submit the register and election materials to independent scrutiny. Until then, its assurances are worthless. The credibility of the 2027 election is on the line,” he said.

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