2023 INEC Registration: Consider the 11m Nigerians yet to complete voter registration - Situation Room

Image: Punch

Reactions have trailed the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration by INEC. Many lamented the suspension, while more than 80 human rights organisations under the name Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room added their voice. 

On Wednesday, the group demanded that 11 million online applicants were left stranded after the exercise was suspended on Sunday.

Recall that the CSOs have begged INEC to extend the CVR to accommodate more voters for one month.

While many aggrieved Nigerians that could not register, they have registered their frustration over INEC’s refusal to extend the date. Many have fired INEC for suspending the CVR that started in June 2021, saying not allowing them is a cunning way to disenfranchise them.

Recall that INEC had wanted to terminate the exercise on June 30, but SERAP filed a suit at the Federal High Court requesting an extension of the exercise beyond that date. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, however, granted the order. Hence INEC, in complying with the court order, extended the exercise till July 31.

However, though the date was extended, hundreds of applicants continued trooping to the registration centers, especially in Niger, Kano, Lagos, Katsina, Benue, Ogun, Enugu states, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to beat the deadline.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the Convener of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Ene Obi, said that it would be unfair for INEC to disenfranchise over 11 million Nigerians who rushed to apply online but could not complete the physical registration.

She said, “The Nigeria Civil Society is advocating and appealing to INEC to reopen the CVR because the rush will tell you that a lot more people want to register. We don’t want to shut down their enthusiasm. It is therefore important to reopen it, even if it is going to be for one month, and make it less stressful.

“There are reports of people queuing up for a day to a whole week and still end up not getting registered. We can make this less stressful in terms of registration processes.

“More than 11 million applicants who completed their forms online were unable to complete their registration. That means you are losing 11 million electorates. That’sThat’s whopping! INEC should address it. Why are they unable to allow them to complete the task? It is even a subject for study.

“You will find out that everything is online now and with speed, so many millions can register at one go. But they are not able to be on the queue. We are urging INEC to reopen the process for more Nigerians to register, even if it is just for a window of one month.”

Source: punchng.com

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