From Victor Osula, Abuja
Following an unprecedented surge in the number of citizens wishing to register as voters across the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved to deploy more voter enrolment machines to ease the congestion at registration centres.
According to Barr. Festus Okoye, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Consequently, the Commission took the decision after an emergency meeting with all the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Thursday 9th June 2022 to review the situation.
He said the Commission has immediately released additional 209 machines deployed mainly to the five South Eastern States, Lagos and Kano where the pressure is most acute.
“The Commission will monitor the situation over the next few days. Thereafter, it will meet to review the progress of the exercise,” he said, adding
“Every step will be taken and all options will be explored to ensure that eligible Nigerians are given the opportunity to register as voters.
“The Commission appeals for patience and understanding of all citizens. Every Nigerian who is 18 years of age and above has the constitutional right to register and vote in any part of the country he/she resides without let or hinderance.
“The sudden surge is an affirmation of the increasing confidence Nigerians have in our electoral process. The Commission will continue to ensure that this confidence is sustained.”
