Your vote should count, but in past elections, extra votes have sometimes silenced the people.
This problem, known as overvoting, occurs when the number of votes cast exceeds the number of accredited voters. It has long undermined trust in Nigeria’s electoral process, which is mostly as a result of post-election disputes.
As the 2027 general elections approach, tackling overvoting has become a top priority. Citizens, electoral officials, and civil society groups are all looking for ways to ensure that every vote is counted fairly.
Overvoting can result from human error, deliberate manipulation, or technical glitches.
In one instance during a previous general election, a polling unit accredited 120 voters using BVAS, but 150 votes were counted. The discrepancy sparked protests and legal challenges, and the result had to be annulled.
Situations like this highlight a major flaw: even with digital systems in place, human interference and weak enforcement can compromise the process.
Critics argue that INEC has sometimes contributes to overvoting through unprofessional practices. For instance, during past elections, some polling units received extra ballot papers without clear justification.
In certain states, result sheets were manually altered during collation, inflating vote totals for favored candidates. There have also been reports of inexperienced or politically compromised staff being deployed to polling units, making it easier for manipulation to occur unnoticed.
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These issues, coupled with slow responses to complaints, have reinforced public skepticism and the perception that some elections can be manipulated.
Technology as a Solution
Technology is a key tool in preventing overvoting. BVAS ensures that every accredited voter is recorded digitally.
If votes exceed the number of accredited voters, the system should automatically flag or cancel the result.
Results should also be transmitted in real-time to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to reduce manipulation during collation.
However, past technical glitches and delays in transmitting results have exposed weaknesses that can still be exploited, making full system testing and improvements crucial for 2027.
Loopholes that allow manual adjustments to override digital records should be closed.
A dedicated Electoral Offences Commission could investigate and prosecute violations swiftly, holding both political actors and election officials accountable.
Without strict enforcement, even the best technological systems cannot guarantee fair results.
Citizens Can Make a Difference
Voters play a critical role in ensuring fair elections.
Staying at polling units after voting, observing the counting process, and checking the number of accredited voters against total votes counted can help prevent manipulation. Reporting discrepancies immediately to election observers or officials adds an extra layer of accountability.
Cleaning the Voter Register
INEC is also conducting a nationwide voter revalidation exercise to remove duplicate, underage, or fictitious registrations.
A cleaner register reduces opportunities for overvoting and strengthens the credibility of elections.
Looking Ahead
The principle for 2027 is simple: no accredited voter, no vote.
By combining reliable technology, strong legal enforcement, and active citizen vigilance, Nigeria can significantly reduce overvoting and restore confidence in the electoral process.
Every vote counts.
Staying informed, engaged, and alert ensures that in 2027, your voice will truly be heard.
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