INEC warns Nigerians about fake website claiming online voter registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a public warning to Nigerians about a fraudulent website that is circulating online and purports to host the commission's online voter registration.

According to multiple reports, the commission has dismissed the site as fake and cautioned citizens not to use it. The warning follows the appearance of a portal that claims a nationwide online voter registration exercise is currently ongoing.

What INEC said

Reports from Vanguard, the Nigerian Tribune and Punch indicate that INEC identified the portal as fraudulent and alerted the public. The commission’s message, as reported, was a direct caution against engaging with the website or providing personal information through it.

Scope and immediate concern

All three outlets say the site presents itself as an official channel for online voter registration, claiming the exercise is happening now. INEC’s notices sought to prevent people from being misled or disclosing sensitive data to an unauthorised source.

Why this matters

INEC conducts voter registration and other electoral processes in Nigeria, and misrepresentation by fraudulent sites can confuse citizens and expose them to identity theft or other scams. By publicly dismissing the portal and warning Nigerians, the commission aims to protect the integrity of voter registration and to safeguard individuals’ personal information.

What to do next

The reports do not provide the fraudulent site’s address, nor do they list any specific steps INEC recommended beyond the warning itself. Citizens who encounter websites or online claims about active INEC registration exercises should treat those claims with caution and look for official confirmation from INEC through its verified channels.

Broader context

Online scams that impersonate institutions are a growing concern globally. In this case, the commission’s public alert reflects an effort to rapidly counter misinformation and reduce harm to Nigerians who may be seeking to register to vote.

For now, INEC’s publicly reported position is clear: the portal in question is not genuine, and Nigerians should not rely on it for voter registration.