Know Your Rights
Your Rights as a Nigerian Voter
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC guidelines collectively guarantee every registered voter a set of fundamental rights on election day. Understanding these rights is the first step toward protecting them. Here are the rights you should know before heading to your polling unit in 2027.
Right to Vote
Every registered voter with a valid PVC has the right to cast one vote at their assigned polling unit. No one can legally deny you this right.
Right to Accreditation
You have the right to be accredited using BVAS. The process must be conducted transparently, and you must be informed if there is any issue.
Right to Secrecy
Your vote is secret. No one — not party agents, not security officers, not INEC officials — has the right to see who you voted for.
Right to Observe
After voting, you have the right to remain at the polling unit to observe the counting of ballots and the recording of results.
Right to Safety
You have the right to vote free from violence, intimidation, or harassment. Any attempt to threaten you is a criminal offence.
Right to Information
You have the right to ask questions about the voting process and to receive clear answers from INEC officials.
If You Face Intimidation
What to Do If You're Intimidated at Your Polling Unit
Election intimidation remains one of the most serious threats to Nigeria's democracy. Whether it takes the form of threats, physical violence, bribery, or social pressure, intimidation undermines the principle of free and fair elections. If you or someone you know faces intimidation on election day, here is exactly what to do.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Safe Your personal safety is the highest priority. Do not confront armed or aggressive individuals. Move away from the threat if possible, and seek the company of other voters or election officials.
Step 2: Report to INEC Officials Every polling unit has a presiding officer appointed by INEC. Report the intimidation to them immediately. They are legally obligated to take action, which may include calling security forces or suspending voting until order is restored.
Step 3: Contact Election Observers Organizations like Yiaga Africa, CDD-West Africa, and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) deploy observers to polling units nationwide. These observers are trained to document violations and escalate them to the appropriate authorities. Look for their branded vests or ID cards.
Step 4: Document Evidence If it is safe to do so, use your phone to record videos, take photos, or write notes about the intimidation. Capture details like the time, location, description of the perpetrators, and what was said or done. This evidence can be crucial for investigations and legal proceedings.
Step 5: Report to Police If the intimidation involves violence or threats of violence, report it to the police immediately. Nigeria's police force is legally required to protect voters and maintain order at polling units. In some states, specialized election security units have been established to respond faster to election-day incidents.
Step 6: Use INEC Hotlines INEC operates toll-free hotlines and social media channels on election day. Save these numbers before election day so you can report issues quickly. Information about hotlines is typically published on INEC's official website and shared via radio and television in the days leading up to the election.
Reporting Channels
How to Report Election Violence and Fraud
Reporting election violations is not just your right — it is your civic duty. Every report helps build a record of electoral integrity that can drive reform, hold perpetrators accountable, and deter future misconduct. Here are the main channels for reporting election violence and fraud in Nigeria.
INEC Headquarters and State Offices
INEC maintains offices in every state and the FCT. During elections, these offices are staffed to receive complaints about electoral malpractice. You can visit in person, call, or email.
Nigeria Police Force
The police are the primary agency for responding to election-day violence. Each polling unit should have police presence. If not, dial the emergency number 112 or contact the nearest police station.
Civil Society Organizations
Groups like Yiaga Africa, CDD-West Africa, and TMG run election situation rooms that receive real-time reports from observers and citizens. Many have mobile apps and SMS reporting systems.
Legal Aid Providers
Organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Legal Aid Council provide free legal assistance to victims of election violence. They can help you file complaints and pursue justice.
Social Media and Whistleblower Platforms
Many civil society groups monitor social media for election violations. Tagging relevant organizations on Twitter/X or using dedicated reporting hashtags can amplify your report and attract official attention.
Stay Safe
Security Tips for Election Day 2027
Election day in Nigeria can be unpredictable. While the vast majority of polling units operate peacefully, isolated incidents of violence can occur. These practical security tips will help you stay safe while exercising your democratic rights.
Go Early
Polling units open at 8:30 AM. Arriving early helps you vote before crowds gather and reduces your exposure to potential unrest later in the day.
Travel in Groups
Where possible, go to your polling unit with family members, friends, or neighbours. There is safety in numbers, and groups are less likely to be targeted by intimidators.
Dress Neutrally
Avoid wearing clothing, hats, or accessories that identify you with a particular political party. Neutral dress reduces the chance of being singled out by partisan actors.
Keep Your Phone Charged
Your phone is your most important safety tool. Keep it fully charged, bring a power bank, and save emergency contact numbers before you leave home.
Know Your Escape Route
Before arriving, identify at least two exit routes from your polling unit. If violence breaks out, leave immediately — do not wait to see what happens.
Share Your Location
Let someone who is not at the polling unit know where you are and when you expect to return. This ensures someone can raise an alarm if you do not check in.
Election Day Checklist
What to Bring to Your Polling Unit
Preparation reduces stress and ensures nothing prevents you from voting. Here is a comprehensive checklist of what to bring — and what to leave at home — when you head to your polling unit on election day 2027.
Must-Have Items
- Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) — the original card, not a photocopy
- Valid identification (National ID, driver's licence, or passport as backup)
- Face mask or hand sanitiser (hygiene is still important)
- Fully charged mobile phone with emergency contacts saved
- Power bank or portable charger
- Water bottle and light snacks (queues can be long)
- Sunscreen, hat, or umbrella (Nigerian sun is unforgiving)
- Small amount of cash for transportation or emergencies
Leave at Home
- Weapons of any kind (knives, pepper spray, etc.)
- Political party clothing, banners, or campaign materials
- Large amounts of cash (reduces theft risk)
- Alcohol or substances that impair judgement
- Expensive jewellery or electronics that attract attention
Continue Reading
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Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
Voter Rights: Your Questions Answered
What are my rights as a voter in Nigeria?
Your rights include: the right to vote, the right to accreditation via BVAS, the right to secrecy of your ballot, the right to remain at the polling unit after voting to observe counting, the right to be free from intimidation, and the right to report violations to INEC or security agencies.
Can I be forced to vote for a particular candidate?
No. Voting is secret and voluntary. No person, party agent, or security officer has the legal right to force you to vote for any candidate. Doing so is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
How do I report election violence or intimidation?
You can report election violence to INEC officials at your polling unit, police officers on duty, civil society election observers, or through INEC's hotlines and social media channels. Document evidence with photos or videos if it is safe to do so.
Can I bring my phone to the polling unit?
Yes. There is no law prohibiting voters from bringing phones to polling units. However, you should not use your phone to take photos inside the voting booth or to reveal your ballot to others, as this can compromise ballot secrecy.
What should I do if my polling unit is attacked?
Your safety comes first. Leave the area immediately if violence breaks out. Once safe, report the incident to the nearest police station, INEC office, or election observer group. Do not attempt to confront armed attackers.
Can I vote if I lost my PVC?
No. Your PVC is required to vote. If you have lost your PVC, you should apply for a replacement at INEC's office well before election day. INEC typically announces deadlines for PVC replacement ahead of elections.
What time do polling units open and close?
Polling units officially open at 8:30 AM and close at 2:30 PM. However, if voters are still in the queue at 2:30 PM, accreditation and voting will continue until everyone in line has voted.
Can I vote outside my registered polling unit?
No. You must vote at the polling unit where you registered and where your name appears on the voter register. Voting outside your assigned unit is illegal and can result in prosecution.