Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned Nigerians against a fraudulent website falsely claiming that the commission has reopened nationwide voter registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC said the fake platform was advertising a purported registration window from September 28 to October 27, 2026, and had no affiliation with the electoral body.

The commission, in a public notice, urged Nigerians not to click on the website or submit personal information, photographs or documents through it, warning that such details could be harvested and misused by fraudsters.

According to INEC, the website falsely presents itself as a platform for a “Final Phase of Nationwide Online Voter Card Registration” and claims to offer services including updating voter information, transferring voters to different polling units and replacing lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards.

The electoral body stressed that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise ended on July 26, 2026, and that there is currently no new nationwide online registration exercise.

INEC had earlier reaffirmed that the July 26 deadline would not be extended, urging eligible Nigerians to complete their registration or update their voter information before the close of the exercise.

The commission’s official voter registration portal also currently states that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise has ended, while allowing registered voters to check their voter status and PVC collection information.

The warning comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC’s revised timetable provides for the publication of the official register of voters on December 15, 2026, while the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The commission advised Nigerians to be cautious of websites and social media posts that claim to offer voter registration or PVC-related services outside its officially announced processes.

INEC urged members of the public to verify election-related information through its official website, verified social media accounts and other recognised communication channels before providing personal information.

The commission also provided its Citizens Contact Centre for enquiries and complaints, urging Nigerians to report suspicious electoral information through its established channels.

INEC said vigilance was particularly important as the country approaches the 2027 elections, warning that fraudulent platforms could not only mislead eligible voters but also expose sensitive personal information to criminal elements.