Nigeria's INEC fixes BVAS glitch as opposition decries voter‑registration data

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) resolved a technical fault in its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) that prevented the recognition of some old Permanent Voter Cards during a mock accreditation exercise in Osun State. The glitch, observed at polling units in Obokun, Osogbo and Egbedore LGAs, was corrected within minutes after INEC Chairman Prof. Amupitan ordered the ICT director Engr. Bayode Lawrence to act. Subsequent accreditation proceeded smoothly, with both old and new cards being synchronized for the upcoming August 15 Osun governorship election.

At the same time, Nigeria’s opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, have condemned INEC’s recent voter‑registration figures as “statistically implausible.” They allege the commission inflated numbers ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing a surge of 10.18 million new registrants, alleged data breaches, and “ghost voter” concerns. Opposition leaders such as ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi are demanding a forensic audit to safeguard electoral integrity.