Nigeria: 2027 - Atiku Demands Names of Firms Printing INEC's Ballot Papers

What the report says

Former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to identify the companies printing ballot papers and other sensitive materials for the 2027 elections. The comments, reported by Vanguard and carried by AllAfrica, were made in Abuja and framed as a warning that unclear contracting arrangements could weaken trust in the vote.

According to the report, Atiku’s camp, through a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu for the African Democratic Congress presidential campaign council, also pressed INEC to explain recent staffing changes in its Electoral Operations Department. The article says he questioned reported redeployments and asked the commission to show that appointments and transfers were based on merit and followed due process.

Atiku further sought clarity on allegations that private contractors may be handling a large share of election materials, including claims involving Hitech or related companies. He also asked about the role of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc and whether some materials were being produced abroad. The broader issue matters because ballot production and custody are central to election credibility in Nigeria, where opposition figures often scrutinize electoral logistics for signs of possible interference. As background, public debate over procurement and election administration has been a recurring feature of Nigerian pre-election periods.