INEC Warns Against Double Voter Registration as CVR Enters Second Phase
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan has cautioned Nigerians against engaging in double registration during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, warning that offenders risk permanent disenfranchisement.
The warning was issued on Wednesday in Abuja during the Independent National Electoral Commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with media executives, PulseNets learnt. Amupitan stressed that anyone found to have registered more than once would be barred from taking part in future elections.
According to the INEC chair, the second phase of the CVR—scheduled to run for one year and end on August 30—is designed to guarantee that all eligible Nigerians have ample opportunity to register and vote.
“However, those who engage in double registration will be identified, removed from the voters’ register and barred from participating in future elections,” he said.
“Double registration is against the law, and INEC will no longer condone it. Nobody should register twice because our system will detect it.
We will not just detect it; those involved in double registration will be removed from the register and disenfranchised.”
Ahead of the Abuja Area Council elections slated for February 21, Amupitan appealed to the media to intensify public mobilisation, particularly around the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“The ongoing PVC distribution in the FCT will end on February 10, and we do not want anyone to be disenfranchised,” he told PulseNets.
“Also, let’s work together to sensitise the public, especially political party members, to refrain from hate speech, vote buying and violence during campaigns, and to conduct their activities strictly within the framework of the law.”
While reaffirming INEC’s commitment to conducting credible polls, the chairman also called on the media to support advocacy efforts urging the National Assembly to fast-track the amendment of the Electoral Act. He further charged journalists to take a firm stand against misinformation and disinformation in order to safeguard Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
PulseNets reported that Amupitan warned that even the most robust electoral systems could be weakened by misinformation, misinterpretation, deliberate distortion and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).
“We therefore urge you to promote accurate reporting at all times. Our official website and all digital channels are veritable and authoritative points of contact for the media,” he added.
On upcoming polls, the INEC chairman disclosed that by-elections would be conducted on February 21 in the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies of Rivers State. He explained that the vacancies arose from the resignation of a sitting lawmaker in Ahoada East II and the death of the elected member representing Khana II.
“Similarly, by-elections will be conducted on the same day for Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies of Kano State following the death of the two serving members,” Amupitan said.
“In the Kano Municipal constituency, 330,228 registered voters will vote in 630 polling units across 13 wards, while in Ungogo constituency, 205,418 registered voters will vote in 384 polling units across 11 wards. Ten political parties are participating in both by-elections.”
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He also revealed that preparations for the Ekiti governorship election were progressing steadily, noting that eight of the 13 scheduled activities had already been concluded.
“In addition, the Osun State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 18. For that election, the third activity in the approved timetable is presently underway,” the INEC chairman told PulseNets.
