INEC's early voter registration closure criticized for blocking new voters ahead of 2027 polls

INEC closed Continuous Voter Registration on Sunday July 26, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite urging Nigerians to register before the deadline. Abuja School of Social and Political Thought Director Sam Amadi criticized this decision as unreasonable during an Arise Television interview, arguing it blocks new adult citizens from voting.

Amadi explained that closing registration nearly seven months before election prevents Nigerians who turn 18 before Election Day from registering, effectively denying them participation until the next electoral cycle. While acknowledging INEC has made procedural improvements, he contended the system remains outdated and exclusionary for young citizens reaching adulthood shortly before polls.

He insists voter registration should stay open until one month before election to capture all newly eligible citizens. With the 2027 polls approximately seven months away, this cutoff means countless Nigerians who became adults after July 2026 cannot register for this election cycle unless INEC revises its timeline.

If you turned 18 after July 2026, should voter registration remain open longer to ensure your voice in 2027 - or does early closure actually strengthen election integrity?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/27/2027-its-unreasonable-to-close-voter-registration-early-sam-amadi/