Opposition Coalition Calls for Audit of Voter Register Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Coalition for Democracy, Nigeria’s opposition alliance, is calling for an independent audit of the voter register before December 15. This demand comes as the group accuses the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the electoral process.

In a statement released on Thursday, the coalition claimed that the APC is creating an unfair environment that benefits only the ruling party while restricting the opposition. They argue that free elections cannot happen without fair political competition.

The coalition, which was previously known as G100, was formed after an opposition summit in August 2026. They believe their new name reflects their commitment to protecting democracy and the political rights of Nigerians.

With just over two months until the elections on January 16, the coalition expressed concern about the actions of government institutions and security agencies, which they say may hinder the ability of Nigerians to choose their leaders freely. They reported that opposition supporters have faced violence and intimidation in various states, and that campaign venues have been unfairly denied to them.

Additionally, the coalition highlighted issues with the integrity of the voter register, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not met important deadlines and has allowed questionable entries in the register. They are particularly worried about the presence of AI-generated photos and the removal of over a million records.

The coalition is demanding that INEC provide all political parties with access to the voter register and complete a forensic audit by the deadline. They also called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure equal protection for all political activities and to investigate recent attacks on opposition supporters.

In their statement, the coalition emphasized that this issue is not just about the rights of political parties but about the rights of all Nigerians to have a choice in their leaders. They warned that without genuine competition, the elections would not be democratic but merely a formality.