INEC Extends Voter Registration in Edo and Ondo States for Upcoming Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo states. Initially set to conclude on June 5, 2024, the registration period will now extend until June 9, 2024.

This decision follows a meeting on Tuesday, where the commission decided to extend the registration period to ensure more eligible persons can register for the upcoming polls. Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, stated that the exercise will now take place from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

Why this matters: This extension of voter registration in Edo and Ondo states has significant implications for the democratic process in Nigeria, ensuring that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming elections. Failure to do so could lead to disenfranchisement and undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process.

To facilitate the registration process, INEC has increased the number of registration centers. The centers now include all 36 Local Government offices in the two states, in addition to the existing 397 wards and the state offices in Benin City and Akure. More machines will be deployed to areas with peculiar needs, such as difficult terrain or communal issues, to ensure a smooth registration process.

As of June 3, 2024, the registration exercise has recorded significant progress, with a total of 120,458 new voters registered. Of these, 55,861 (46.4%) are male, while 64,597 (53.6%) are female. The majority of the registered voters, 82,003 (68.8%), are youths between the ages of 18-34 years. In terms of occupation, 43,419 (36.8%) are students, while 812 (0.67%) are Persons with Disability (PWDs).

INEC has emphasized that this extension is the final opportunity for eligible voters to register, transfer, or correct personal information on their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as provided by law. 'The Commission once again appeals to eligible voters to seize the opportunity of the extension to register, transfer or correct personal information on their PVCs as provided by law. No further extension will be granted by the Commission,' said Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

The public should note that these are preliminary figures, and the final figures will be published on a state-by-state basis and for all categories of registrants at the end of the exercise and after data clean-up using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

This extension aims to ensure that all eligible voters in Edo and Ondo states have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming elections, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement and voter participation.

Key Takeaways

• INEC extends voter registration in Edo and Ondo states to June 9, 2024.
• Registration hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
• More centers added, including 36 Local Government offices and existing wards.
• 120,458 new voters registered as of June 3, 2024, with 68.8% being youths.
• This is the final opportunity for eligible voters to register, transfer, or correct PVC information.