Reports of “Voter Not Found” errors on the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) online portal have sparked concern among Nigerians preparing for the 2027 general elections, with many citizens saying they are unable to verify their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) details despite holding valid registration documents.
The complaints, which surfaced widely on social media this week, show users entering their voter identification numbers and personal details only to receive error messages indicating that their records could not be found. Several affected voters shared screenshots claiming their details previously existed in the system during earlier checks.
The issue has raised anxiety among prospective voters, especially as Nigeria continues its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which is expected to run until July 10, 2026.
However, election officials have pushed back on suggestions of missing or deleted voter data. According to the commission, most of the cases reported are linked to simple data entry mistakes, incomplete registration processes, or delays in PVC production and distribution.
An official familiar with the system explained that variations in name spelling, incorrect voter identification numbers, or unprocessed recent registrations can trigger “not found” responses on the portal. The official also stressed that there is no evidence of mass deletion of voter records, adding that the national voter register remains stable at over 93 million registered voters.
“The database has not been tampered with, and there is no indication that any eligible voter has been removed arbitrarily,” the commission said in a general response to growing public concern, urging users to cross-check their details or visit local offices for assistance.
The development comes at a sensitive time for Nigeria’s electoral body, which is still dealing with public trust issues following past election disputes and recent reports of a data leak involving an arrested staff member. While officials say the incident is isolated and under investigation, it has further fueled skepticism among some voters about the integrity of electoral systems.
Civil society groups have called for improved transparency and stronger technical support for the voter verification process, warning that unresolved concerns could discourage participation ahead of the 2027 polls.
For now, the commission is advising citizens experiencing difficulties to retry verification using correct details, contact official helplines, or visit the nearest INEC office for manual checks and corrections.
As the voter registration window continues, attention is expected to remain on how effectively the electoral body resolves technical glitches and restores public confidence in the system ahead of Nigeria’s next major election cycle.