INEC Extends Voter Registration Deadline to June 9 In Edo And Ondo States

 

INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a four-day extension for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo states. Initially set to end on June 5, the registration will now continue until June 9, 2024. This extension aims to accommodate more eligible voters ahead of the governorship elections later this year.

 

Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, made this announcement in a statement from Abuja. He explained that the decision followed a review of the CVR process and appeals from stakeholders.

 

"The Commission met earlier on Tuesday and, among other issues, reviewed the ongoing CVR in Edo and Ondo states, which was scheduled to end on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Following appeals by stakeholders, the Commission has approved the extension of the exercise from Thursday, June 6, to Sunday, June 9, 2024, to enable more eligible persons to register," Olumekun stated. The registration hours have also been extended to run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

 

In addition to extending the registration period, INEC has increased the number of registration centers. Beyond the 397 wards and two state offices in Benin City and Akure, all 36 Local Government offices in both states will now serve as registration centers. More registration machines will also be deployed to areas with specific needs, such as difficult terrains or communities facing unique challenges.

 

Detailed information on the new registration centers, including names and locations, has been uploaded to INEC's website and social media platforms for the guidance of registrants.

 

As of June 3, 2024, eight days into the CVR, a total of 120,458 new voters have registered. Of these, 55,861 (46.4%) are male and 64,597 (53.6%) are female. The majority of new voters (82,003 or 68.8%) are youths aged 18-34. In terms of occupation, 43,419 (36.8%) are students, and 812 (0.67%) are Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). These figures are preliminary, with final numbers to be published after data clean-up using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

 

Olumekun emphasized the importance of this extension, urging eligible voters to take advantage of the additional days to register, transfer, or correct personal information on their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). "No further extension will be granted by the Commission," he added.

 

The CVR extension is a crucial step to ensure that more Nigerians can participate in the upcoming elections, strengthening the democratic process in Edo and Ondo states.