As the 2027 general elections approach, voters have an important role to play in determining the country’s political future.
Beyond turning out on election day, eligible citizens need to prepare adequately, understand their rights, assess the candidates and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
Election observers, political analysts and INEC officials have advised voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, confirm their polling units, examine candidates’ manifestos and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety on election day.
Ahead of the election, the electorate are expected to register with INEC and also confirm that their names and details are correctly captured in its register.
For months, INEC has sensitised citizens to the need to follow the commission’s official guidelines, which is an important step in the voting process.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems estimated that Nigeria’s population as of February 9, 2023, was over 225 million. But the IFES noted that as of August 3, 2026, the country had only 93,469,008 registered voters.
Some of the reasons for this include relocation and distance from polling units, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System malfunctions or other accreditation difficulties, and difficulty locating designated polling units.
Other reasons are long queues and prolonged waiting periods, voters arriving after the voting process has ended, and inadequate arrangements for people with disabilities, older people and pregnant women.
Here are five things every voter should do ahead of the polls:
Collect your PVC
The first step towards participating in the upcoming general elections is for the electorate to ensure that they are duly registered and have collected their Permanent Voter Cards.
The Director of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC, Victoria Eta-Messi, identified PVC collection as a major priority ahead of the elections.
She advised eligible voters to make themselves available to collect their cards and encourage their neighbours to do the same.
Confirm your polling unit
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Many people wait until election day to find out where they are expected to vote, but this could result in some difficulties if their polling unit has been changed.
“Voters should establish their polling locations ahead of the exercise and remain alert. They need to carry their mobile phones and have the contact details of relevant electoral and security officials, including the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the police in their states, to facilitate communication when necessary,” a board member of Yiaga Africa, Prof Nnamdi Aduba, advised.
The President of the Nigerian Society of International Affairs, Prof Hassan Saliu, also urged voters to consider the distance between their homes and polling units and make adequate arrangements for movement on election day.
Study the candidates’ manifestos
Many people arrive at their polling units with minds that are not well resolved on who to cast their votes for.
“Voters need to examine the manifestos of the respective political parties, identify the proposals that resonate with them and assess which candidates they have confidence in. Before making a choice, ask yourself whether the candidates’ promises are realistic, how they intend to implement them and whether their previous records support their claims,” Saliu said.
Verify political information
Election periods often come with misinformation, manipulated videos, fabricated endorsements and misleading claims about candidates and political parties.
“Do not accept every political message circulated on WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok or other social media platforms as factual. Check the source, date and context of information before believing or sharing it.
“Cross-check claims with credible news organisations, official statements and independent fact-checking platforms. Be particularly cautious about sensational claims designed to provoke anger, religious or ethnic divisions, or hostility towards political opponents,” Aduba advised.
Reject vote buying
Voters should remain conscious of their surroundings before, during and after voting. Aduba urged voters to be consciously prepared and vigilant and asked INEC to ensure a Plan B for the transportation of logistics.
“Voters should pay attention to security conditions and their immediate environment when going out to vote. Voters should reject money, food, gifts or other inducements offered in exchange for their votes.
“Electoral choices should be based on informed judgement rather than temporary material benefits. They should also familiarise themselves with voting procedures, understand their electoral rights and know how to report intimidation, vote buying and other forms of electoral malpractice through appropriate official channels,” Saliu said.
