From Motunrayo Ajayi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo and Ondo states to June 9. This decision comes after registering 120,458 new voters since the exercise began on May 27.
Initially slated to conclude on June 5, the extension follows significant progress and appeals from stakeholders. INEC’s decision aims to ensure broader participation ahead of the governorship elections in Edo on September 21 and Ondo on November 16, 2024.
The registration period, now extended to June 9, will continue daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The extension includes an increase in registration centres, encompassing all 36 local government offices in both states, in addition to the 397 wards and state offices in Benin City and Akure.
Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, highlighted the logistical challenges faced, particularly in Edo State where flooding damaged equipment at the state headquarters. The commission swiftly relocated to the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area office, ensuring the continuation of the registration process.
In a statement on Tuesday, Olumekun said, “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. The number of centres has also been increased to include all local government offices in both states.”
INEC is deploying additional registration machines to areas with difficult terrains and communal issues to facilitate the process. Detailed information on registration centre locations has been made available on INEC’s website and social media platforms.
As of June 3, preliminary data shows that 120,458 new voters have registered, with 46.4% male and 53.6% female. Youths aged 18-34 constitute 68.8% of the new registrants, and students make up 36.8% of the total. INEC also noted that these figures are preliminary, with final statistics to be released after a data clean-up using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).
INEC urges all eligible voters to take advantage of the extension to register, transfer, or correct their personal information on their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The commission emphasized that no further extensions will be granted.
“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,” Olumekun stated.
