The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uncovered a shocking flaw in Nigeria’s voters’ register—hundreds of deceased individuals are still listed as eligible to vote. The Commission has consequently ordered a nationwide verification and clean-up exercise.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, revealed this on Wednesday during the Commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The revelation came after a review of the November Anambra State off-cycle governorship election, which exposed a huge gap between registered voters and actual turnout. “The register showed over 2.9 million voters, yet barely 600 people voted—just about 20 percent. Further checks revealed names of prominent Nigerians who have long passed away still on the register,” Amupitan said.

The INEC boss warned that allowing deceased persons to remain on the voters’ roll compromises the integrity of elections and public confidence in the democratic process. “We do not expect the dead to rise from the grave to vote. This verification exercise is crucial,” he added.

The nationwide exercise will focus on removing ineligible names, correcting data errors, and working with relevant government agencies to authenticate voters’ records.

Amupitan stressed that credible elections hinge on an accurate and up-to-date voters’ register, describing the clean-up as part of INEC’s wider efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral system.