The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued an urgent public disclaimer. The commission warned Nigerians against a scam online portal. The portal claims that nationwide voter registration has reopened. INEC said the claim is false. It urged citizens not to submit personal details to the platform. The commission did not name the operators.
Voter registration fraud is recurring in Nigeria. In 2022, INEC warned against fake Continuous Voter Registration links. In 2023, the commission reported impersonation of its officials. In 2024, a phishing site collected biometric data from applicants in Lagos and Abuja. INEC has repeatedly said its only official channels are its website and physical offices. The scams persist because demand for registration is high. The 2027 election is approaching.
The scam portal mimics INEC’s branding. It asks users to register for voter cards. It requests personal information. INEC said registration is not open. The commission’s current exercise is the Continuous Voter Registration in phases. Phase three ended in September. No new phase has been announced. Anyone who submits data to the fake portal risks identity theft and fraud.
INEC’s disclaimer is standard. It comes as the commission integrates the National Identification Number into the voter register. That process aims to clean the roll. It also creates new opportunities for scammers. Fraudsters exploit public confusion. They pose as registration agents. They charge fees. They disappear.
The commission has urged Nigerians to verify information through official channels. It said complaints should be reported to the police and the commission. No arrests have been announced.
Winners: INEC, which shows vigilance. Scammers, if they escape arrest. Losers: Nigerians who submit data to the fake portal. The electoral process, which faces renewed distrust. INEC, whose brand is mimicked. The public, which must navigate misinformation.
Bottom Line: A fake portal claims voter registration is open. INEC says it is not. Nigerians should verify before submitting anything. The 2027 election is approaching. Scammers are already working. The commission must do more than issue disclaimers.