Politics
Allow 7m Nigerians to complete voter registration or face legal action, SERAP tells INEC
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “immediately give seven million Nigerians who have carried out their voter registration online the time and opportunity to complete the process, so that they can obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs), and exercise their right to vote.”
INEC recently disclosed that out of 10,487,972 Nigerians who carried out their pre-registration online, only 3,444,378 completed the process at a physical centre. This represents just 32.8 percent of completed online registration.
In the letter dated 13 August 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The right to vote is not merely the right to cast a ballot but also the right to be given the time and opportunity to complete the registration process, so that the right can be meaningfully and effectively exercised.”
SERAP said, “Closing the gates on eligible Nigerians and denying them the time and opportunity to complete their registration cannot preserve trust in the electoral process.”
According to SERAP, “Denying a significant number of eligible voters the time and opportunity to complete the registration for their PVCs would impair the right to vote of those affected, deny them a voice in the 2023 elections, and lead to disparate and unfair treatment of these voters.”
The letter, read in part, “The failure of the applicants to complete their registration may be due to factors entirely outside of their control, especially given the well-documented challenges faced by many Nigerians at registration centres across the country.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP and the affected Nigerians shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Unless they are given a reasonable time and opportunity to complete the registration process, and to obtain their voter cards, these eligible Nigerians will not be able to vote in the 2023 general elections.”
“If citizens’ chance to vote is denied, that would amount to violation of their fundamental right to vote, just as it would be if they were prevented from casting any vote at all.”
“The alleged failure of the applicants to complete their registration at INEC designated centres are not sufficiently weighty to justify their exclusion from the 2023 general elections.”
“Any proffered justifications of saving time and cost are therefore wholly insufficient. Administrative convenience is simply not a compelling justification in light of the fundamental nature of the right to vote.”
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“This severe vote deprivation cannot be justified by any perceived considerations of saving time, especially because Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that ‘the registration of voters, updating and revision of the Register of Voters shall not stop not later than 90 days before any election covered by this Act.’”
“Providing fresh opportunity for the over seven million Nigerians to complete their registration would promote and preserve the right to vote, and ensure that legal and eligible voters are not inadvertently and unjustifiably turned away from exercising their fundamental right to vote.”
“By refusing the over seven million Nigerians the opportunity to complete the registration for their PVCs, INEC have unfairly, unreasonably, and unjustifiably denied them the opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner as to the reasons for not completing their registration.”
“Voter distrust is apparent in virtually empty polling places on election days. Nigeria historically has had low levels of voter turnout.”
“Allowing eligible Nigerians to complete their registration would improve citizens’ participation in the electoral process, and public confidence in the electoral system, as well as the ability of INEC to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibility fairly, justly, and reasonably.”
“The Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”
“Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance guarantee the right to political participation, including the right to vote.”
“According to our information, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), recently disclosed that over seven million Nigerians who carried out their voter pre-registration online could not complete the process at physical centres.”
“According to a report released by INEC, out of 10,487,972 Nigerians who carried out their pre-registration online, only 3,444,378 Nigerians representing 32.8 percent, completed the process at a physical centre. 7,043,594 Nigerians carried out their pre-registration but are yet to complete the process at a physical centre.”
“This represents over 67 percent of those who began their registration process online.”
“According to INEC, a total of 12,298,944 Nigerians completed their voter registration; 8,854,566 of which were persons who did their registration entirely at a physical centre.”
“The over seven million Nigerians have already completed their registration online, that is, via the INEC online portal by providing their biodata and required documents.”
“According to the INEC process, what is outstanding for the applicants to complete the registration for their PVCs is to visit INEC designated centres for their biometric to be captured.”
With the wave of insecurity unrelenting and the belief that it has a political undertone, the Edo State Government is contemplating arresting those sponsoring what it described as ‘touts in possession of over 5,000 illegal arms in Edo State’.
This was detailed in a press statement on Sunday in Benin City by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua.
According to Itua, the state government would no longer condone the menace of illegally armed political thugs and touts, so would not hesitate to unveil the mask to pick up those behind the non-state actors of a particular political party, disturbing the peace of the state.
He wrote, “The Edo State Government is gravely concerned about the rising wave of insecurity fuelled by armed thugs and criminal elements associated with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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“These individuals, who were heavily armed before the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, have refused to surrender their weapons, posing a clear and present danger to the safety of our citizens.
“It is on record that former Governor Godwin Obaseki, before the last election, openly threatened that “Nigeria would burn.” This was not a mere political outburst — it was a premeditated declaration backed by the systematic arming of touts and thugs.
“These individuals, many of whom were drafted into the Edo State Security Network under the previous administration, still possess over 5,000 illegal firearms, which they now use to perpetrate robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks across the state.
“The Edo State Government is aware that PDP leaders, who had direct control over these armed operatives, have refused to assist in disarming them. Instead, they continue to shield these criminals, providing them with cover as they unleash terror on innocent citizens.
“Worse still, intelligence reports indicate that PDP leaders are stockpiling additional arms, with the intention of orchestrating mayhem should their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, fail to secure victory at the Tribunal.
“The State Government is calling on all security agencies to intensify their investigations, track down these armed criminals, their sponsors and bring them to justice.
“No individual, regardless of political affiliation, is above the law, and Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the peace and security of our people.
“We urge law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and ensure that all illegally possessed firearms are recovered, and those responsible for the current state of insecurity in Edo are held accountable.
“The security and well-being of Edo people remain Governor Okpebholo’s utmost priority, and he will not allow politically sponsored violence to take root in our State.”
Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jandor announced his return to the ruling party on Monday during a press conference at his office in Ikeja, Lagos.
His decision comes weeks after resigning from the PDP, citing internal crises and a lack of party discipline as key reasons for his departure.
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“Our story in the PDP was a case of working with perennial political saboteurs,” Jandor stated. “We have resolved to love our future much more than we hate our past.”
According to Jandor, the PDP’s failure to address anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections led to his decision. He expressed frustration over what he described as a pattern of betrayal within the party.
He also emphasized that his move to the APC followed extensive consultations with family, political associates, elder statesmen, and well-meaning Lagosians.
“The primary reason a political party exists is to win elections and form a government to serve the people. We have decided to join a party that prioritizes winning for its members, regardless of who is on the ballot,” he said.
Before settling for the APC, Jandor revealed that he engaged in discussions with leaders from other political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Young Progressive Party (YPP).
Addressing concerns about his previous exit from the APC, Jandor likened his political journey to a Yoruba adage about learning from different experiences.
“In APC, we have a leader who, even if you fault his choices, is determined to win for the party and its members. In Lagos PDP, however, we had a leader who, at every election cycle, worked against his own party and dashed the hopes of many,” he said. “We have chosen the better alternative.”
Jandor acknowledged the role of key figures in persuading him to rejoin the APC, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu.
“I must recognize the relentless efforts of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who has been on my case for over a year to return home and join hands with Mr. President,” he said. “Upon hearing of my resignation from the PDP, Seyi Tinubu immediately reached out and urged me to come back home.”
Jandor assured his supporters that his move was in Lagos’ best interest and urged them to follow him into the APC.
“We remain committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations,” he declared.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has dismissed fears that recent defections from the ruling party will affect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances of securing re-election in 2027.
Speaking in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye described the ongoing political realignments as inconsequential, insisting that Tinubu has a “winning strategy” to counter any opposition at the right time.
His comments come amid reports that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and is reaching out to former APC stalwarts, including Rauf Aregbesola, to join him.
READ ALSO: El-Rufai Abandons APC, Says Party No Longer Represents Progressives
Despite this, Oyintiloye maintained that defections are a normal part of politics and would not derail the president’s re-election bid.
“Take it or leave it, no amount of political gang-up can stop the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027. Those who are gathering against him should study the kind of person he is,” Oyintiloye said.
He further argued that Tinubu’s achievements, political acumen, and goodwill across the country would secure him victory in the next election. According to him, the president is making deliberate efforts to put Nigeria on the path of greatness, and these efforts are already yielding positive results.
“The president will succeed, and his political enemies will soon realise their mistake in opposing him,” he added.
While expressing confidence in Tinubu’s chances, Oyintiloye urged the president to intensify public engagement and sensitisation efforts to showcase his administration’s achievements and future projections.
With political tensions rising ahead of the 2027 elections, Tinubu’s camp remains optimistic about his chances, despite defections and emerging opposition alliances.
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