- Westo Adekunle Adejumo | Premier World News
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun State has commenced the public display of the Preliminary Register of Voters for claims and objections, marking a critical step toward strengthening the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of future elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Feyijimi Saseyi, announced that the exercise follows the successful conclusion of the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which ended on April 17.
Seven-Day Verification Exercise Begins:
According to INEC, the display exercise commenced on Wednesday, April 29 and will run through Tuesday, May 5, across all 20 Local Government Areas in Ogun State.
“The Preliminary Register of Voters will be displayed for Claims and Objections. This provides an opportunity for registered voters to verify their details, including the correct spelling of names, dates of birth and addresses”.
“The exercise is scheduled to hold daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, including weekends, at designated INEC local government offices statewide”, the commission stated.
Ensuring Electoral Integrity:
Sayeyi emphasized that the process aligns with Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2022, describing it as essential to maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
She encouraged citizens not only to confirm their personal details but also to raise objections where necessary.
This includes reporting; names of deceased persons, underage registrants, non-citizens and cases of multiple registrations.
“Citizens are expected to report the inclusion of names of persons who are deceased, underage, non-citizens, or individuals who have registered more than once”, she said.
Stakeholder Mobilization and Public Participation:
She called on key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, civil society groups and community leaders, to mobilize residents to participate actively in the verification process.
The REC noted that INEC remains committed to delivering a free, fair, transparent and inclusive electoral process for all.
A Critical Step in Electoral Preparedness:
Premier World News views the exercise as a foundational component of electoral credibility, particularly in addressing longstanding concerns around voter register accuracy in Nigeria.
The proactive approach by Ogun INEC emphasizes its readiness to uphold democratic standards and build public confidence ahead of future elections, Premier World News reports.
