A coalition of civil society organizations, The Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOS) has raised concerns over alleged denial of voting rights to Edo State citizens by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At a press conference, President of the Coalition, Comrade Abiola Daisy Igaga, accused INEC of disregarding the Electoral Act and preventing potential voters from registering with the Commission.
Igaga said the objective of the press conference was to draw attention to INEC’s failure to comply with the Electoral Act of 2022, as amended, and the legality of the continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise.
He emphasised the importance of inclusive and credible elections, stating that INEC’s actions were in violation of the law.
“Of particular concern was the fact that INEC had not yet initiated the CVR exercise in Edo State, despite the upcoming elections scheduled for September 21st.
Comrade Igaga pointed to Section 10.1 of the Electoral Act, which mandates the continuous registration of all eligible voters. “When read in conjunction with Section 9.6 of the act, it becomes evident that the CVR exercise must be concluded on or before June 21st, 2024, as it must end 90 days before the election.”
He stressed the need for INEC to address the concerns of the people and restore confidence in the electoral process. “We call upon the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, to fulfill his promise of strengthening the electoral process.”
CONGOS pledged its support to INEC in enhancing voter education and combating voter apathy, urging the Commission to demonstrate goodwill by promptly resuming the CVR exercise in Edo State, saying the exercise was not optional but a mandatory provision of the law.
