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Tag: Inec

  • INEC dismiss ADC claim on CVR pre-registration exercise

    INEC dismiss ADC claim on CVR pre-registration exercise

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleging possible manipulations of the online pre-registration exercise for the continuous voter registration.

    Chief Press Secretary boy the Chairman of the Commission, Rotimi Oyekunmi dismissed the claims by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC that number of pre-registrants in Osun State defies “historical patterns and demographic realities”, saying “Nothing can be further from the truth”.

    He said if the party had been careful enough to do due diligence on available records, they would have realised that Osun state had always led the online pre-registration exercise since it was first introduced.

    Rotimi said: “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a press statement attributed to the spokesperson of a political party on the data published by the Commission on the online pre-registration of voters. In particular, the statement claimed that the number of pre-registrants in Osun State defies “historical patterns and demographic realities.” Nothing can be further from the truth.

    “It will be recalled that the Commission rolled out the online pre-registration of voters on 18th August 2025, followed by in-person registration on 25th August 2025. In its usual tradition, the Commission released the data of online pre- registrations from 18th to 24th August, totalling 1,379,342.

    “In the figures released, Osun State led the pack with 393,269, followed by Lagos State – 222,205. The Federal Capital Territory was third with 107,682.

    “With regard to Osun State, the pattern is similar to what occurred in June 2021 when the Commission launched the online pre-registration for the first time. Within the first 24 hours of launching the portal on 28th June 2021, 59,331 accounts were created. By the second week on 12th July 2021, a total of 456,909 accounts were active.

    “Interestingly, Osun state led with 154,893 pre-registrations at the time. In the third week, 752,011 persons had pre-registered and Osun State was at the front with 232,880.

    “By the eighth week on 23rd August 2021, 2,215,832 persons had pre-registered with Osun State still leading with 365,412. In the 11th week of the exercise on 13th September 2021, 2,953,094 individuals had pre-registered, with Osun State still in the lead with 402,619.

    “By 18th April 2022, a total of 8,271,647 Nigerians had pre-registered, and Osun was ahead of all States with 708,782 registrations. If the party were proactive enough, a simple search of past records already in the public domain would have revealed these facts.

    Read Also: Benue, Plateau killings: DSS charges nine with terrorism, unlawful arms possession

    “The Commission was upfront during the last CVR exercise by releasing the data on a weekly basis, until it was concluded in 2022. Besides, all persons who pre-registered online were required to physically visit a designated centre to complete their registration process during which their biometrics were captured.

    “Throughout the last CVR exercise which lasted over four quarters, the Commission paused after each quarter to display the preliminary voters’ register for claims and objections, to enable citizens draw attention to any individual not qualified to be on the register.

    “At the same time, the Commission applied its robust Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to detect and isolate double registrants. After all the processes and due diligence, over 14 million Nigerians were added to the National Register of Voters for the 2019 General Election, pushing the figure from almost 70 million to 84,004,084 voters.

    “In the same manner, after the 2021/2022 CVR, over 9.4 million new voters were added to the Register, totalling 93,469,008 for the 2023 General Election.

    “While it is not in the Commission’s place to develop conjectures on why any state has more registrants than others on our CVR portal, our duty as a Commission, which we take seriously, is to ensure that only real persons, who meet the criteria stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022 are allowed to register.

    “The Commission will continue to make information available to the public on the progress of the current online and in-person CVR. We appeal to all well-meaning citizens to be circumspect in going public with information based on sheer conjecture when they can rely on authentic and verifiable data available from our official repositories for both ongoing and historical record of our activities”.

  • NNPP writes INEC, demands stoppage of elections

    NNPP writes INEC, demands stoppage of elections

    Mr Ndubuisi Ukpai esq, counsel for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has written to INEC, demanding that the commission must stop all elections until its authentic logo is included in ballot papers  for future elections.

    This is contained in the letter made available to the media by the party on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The letter, dated Aug. 25 and addressed to the INEC Chairman, was titled;: “RE: SUIT NO.: CV/3210/2025; New Nigeria Peoples Party VS Independent National Electoral Commission: Continued Representation of the Authentic Leadership of the NNPP and the Need To Maintain Status Quo Pending Determination of the Suit for Judicial Review”.

    It stated that INEC should refrain from  conducting  all elections until it reflected the true and correct logo of the NNPP and participation of the party under the leadership of Dr Major Agbo as National Chairman.

    “We remain counsel to the authentic leadership of the NNPP, under the national chairmanship of Agbo, and write at their instance.

    “You will recall our previous correspondence, wherein we drew the commission’s attention to the imperative of strict compliance with subsisting judgments of competent courts, affirming the authentic leadership of the NNPP.

    “Regrettably, in the face of INEC’s continued reluctance to give effect to the said judgments, our client was constrained to institute judicial review proceedings against the commission.”

    According to the party, Pursuant to the said action, on Aug. 15, 2025, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory graciously granted our client leave to bring an application for an order of mandamus, compelling INEC’s compliance.

    “Consequent upon this, an Originating Motion on Notice had been duly filed and served on the commission.

    “May we respectfully remind the commission that upon the grant of leave in judicial review proceedings, the law imposes a duty to maintain the status quo and refrain from taking steps capable of rendering the substantive proceedings nugatory.

    “As was held in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621, no party, and least of all a public institution, is permitted to take the law into its own hands or foist a fait accompli on the court.

    “To do otherwise is to court judicial reproach and expose responsible officers to personal consequences for contempt of court.”

    The NNPP also demanded that INEC must cease and desist from according any recognition,, whatsoever to the expelled members of the party, purporting to be leaders of the NNPP under one Dr Ajuji Ahmed.

    It also stated that INEC must stop actions that might prejudice or compromise pending proceedings, in line with express duty imposed on all authorities under Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to enforce and give effect to decisions of the courts.

    Read Also: NNPP weighs three options ahead 2027 elections

    “It has further come to our client’s knowledge that the expelled members have issued a notice, purporting to convene a so-called National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, Aug. 28.

    “We must make it abundantly clear that any such purported meeting is unlawful, null, and void, being in flagrant violation of binding judicial pronouncements.

    “We, therefore, urge in the strongest terms, that INEC must not attend, monitor, observe, or lend any form of recognition to such an illegal gathering.

    ” To do so would amount to clear interference in a matter sub judice and a direct affront to the authority of the court.

    “This correspondence is issued to place the commission on the path of legality and to forestall the necessity of further legal recourse against it.

    “We trust, therefore, that INEC will act with the institutional circumspection and fidelity to the rule of law that the Constitution demands,” it added.

    (NAN)

  • INEC records 66,951 pre-registrations in Oyo State

    INEC records 66,951 pre-registrations in Oyo State

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Dr Adeniran Tella, has said 66,951 residents participated in the Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) pre-registration within one week.

    Tella disclosed this on Tuesday in Ibadan during the inauguration of the CVR sensitisation campaign at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre.

    He described the figure as impressive, noting it indicates that residents of the state remain eager to participate fully in the democratic process.

    The commissioner recalled that the CVR resumed on Aug. 18 with online pre-registration, while physical registration began on Aug. 25.

    Tella explained that citizens who turned 18 and pre-registered online, alongside those yet to register, could complete the process at the INEC state office.

    Read Also: INEC: Osun, Lagos, Ogun top CVR online registration

    He said pre-registration could also be done in any of the 33 local government area offices of the commission.

    “It is, however, important to note that already registered voters need not visit the state or LGA offices if they have lost their Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

    “If the PVC is defaced, or if voters wish to transfer it from one LGA, ward or state, this can be done online,” he said.

    The REC said the processes could be completed via: https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/Public/getStarted.

    Tella explained that the essence was to decongest registration centres at the state headquarters and across all 33 INEC local government offices.

    He noted that the sensitisation campaign aimed to widely publicise the commencement, procedures, and requirements of the CVR exercise.

    Tella further stated that the exercise would provide clear, simple, and accurate information on registration, transfer procedures, and, importantly, collection of Permanent Voter Cards.

    (NAN)

  • ‘Why ongoing voter registration in Warri Constituency may be stalled’

    ‘Why ongoing voter registration in Warri Constituency may be stalled’

    The delay in the release and implementation of the controversial fieldwork report of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Warri Federal Constituency, as ordered by the Supreme Court, would impede the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise in the area.

    Nigeria’s crude oil production output may also be disrupted if “INEC fails to do the needful”.

    That was the position of the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri at a world press conference in Effurun, Delta state, on Monday.

    They warned that conducting the CVR was in defiance of the Supreme Court order and an attempt to disenfranchise their communities.

    At the briefing, which had over a thousand indigenes in attendance, representatives of the two ethnic blocs declared that no lawful voter registration or election can take place in Warri until INEC complies fully with the 2022 Supreme Court judgement that mandated a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.

    Recall that in December 2022, Nigeria’s apex court ruled that INEC should immediately redraw the political map of Warri’s three Local Government Areas, Warri South, South-West, and North, before any future election.

    Read Also: HURIWA commends INEC for upholding democracy in Warri constituency delineation

    In July 2024, INEC carried out the field delineation, and in April 2025, it released an initial report of the exercise that resulted in a series of pro and counter protests by stakeholders, which also led to the shutting down of a flow station at Ogidigben in Warri Southwest.

    Now, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive by INEC is sparking outrage among stakeholders who are accusing INEC of a ploy to disenfranchise their communities.

    In a jointly signed statement read by Chief Victor Okumagba on behalf of the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people, they maintained that the flawed electoral structure contributed to the violent Warri crisis of 1997–1999 and 2002–2003.

  • INEC CVR: Ijaw, Urhobo demand release, implementation of Warri delineation

    INEC CVR: Ijaw, Urhobo demand release, implementation of Warri delineation

    The delay in the release and implementation of the controversial fieldwork report of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Warri Federal Constituency as ordered by the Supreme Court would impede the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise in the area.

    Nigeria’s crude oil production output may also be disrupted if “INEC fails to do the needful”.

    This was the position of the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri at a world press conference in Effurun, Delta state, Monday, were they warned that conducting the CVR was in defiance of the Supreme Court order and an attempt to disenfranchise their communities.

    At the briefing which had over a thousand indigenes in attendance, representatives of the two ethnic blocs declared that no lawful voter registration or election can take place in Warri until INEC complies fully with the 2022 Supreme Court judgement that mandated a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.

    Recall that in December 2022, Nigeria’s apex court ruled that INEC should immediately redraw the political map of Warri’s three Local Government Areas, Warri South, South-West, and North, before any future election.

    INEC in July 2024, carried out the field delineation and in April 2025, released and initial report of the exercise that resulted in series of pro and counter protests by stakeholders, which also led to the shutting down of a flow station at Ogidigben in Warri Southwest.

    Now, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive by INEC is sparking outrage among stakeholders who are accusing INEC of a ploy to disenfranchise their communities.

    In a jointly signed statement read by Chief Victor Okumagba on behalf of the the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people, they maintained the flawed electoral structure contributed to the violent Warri crises of 1997–1999 and 2002–2003.

    They accused INEC of being compromised by “selfish external influences” and acting under the direction of unnamed political actors bent on maintaining a flawed power structure in Warri.

    The statement added that until the delineation exercise was completed, “it is criminal, illegal and contemptuous of the Supreme Court judgement by INEC, proceeding with the registration of voters in Warri Federal Constituency as there are no longer in existence electoral wards and units upon which the ongoing voter’s registration can stand.”

    The statement further demanded that “INEC should immediately release and implement the report painstakingly embarked upon by stakeholders. 

    “We shall not idly standby and watch our democratic rights and franchise fretted away by INEC’s lawlessness and disastrous irresponsibility.”

    Read Also: INEC: Osun, Lagos, Ogun top CVR online registration

    Leaders from Okere Urhobo, Gbaramatu, Egbema, Isaba and Diebiri kingdoms in their separate remarks, called for an immediate halt to all voter registration and electoral activities in the Warri Federal Constituency until the final delineation report is published and implemented by INEC, emphasizing their rights to be part of Nigeria’s electoral process.

    In his remarks, Spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, stressed that the Ijaws and Urhobos “are not a people that live in outside their environment,” which he noted owns a huge part of the Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.

    He therefore warned against any act that could trampled on their “democratic rights”, appealing to INEC to do what it is constituted to do.

    Chief Gbenekama also doused concerns of conflict in Warri, stating, “there is no crisis in Warri as far as Ijaws and Urhobos are concerned. Warri is peaceful, so INEC should come and complete the delineation exercise.”

  • INEC: Osun, Lagos, Ogun top CVR online registration

    INEC: Osun, Lagos, Ogun top CVR online registration

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday released statistics of online Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), with Ogun, Lagos, and Osun states leading the table of those that have registered online ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The statistics also revealed that four of the five states in the South East are leading the table from the rear with a cumulative figure of 1,998 persons.

    Osun is leading the pack with 393,269 representing 28.51 percent of the total number, followed by Lagos with 222,205 (16.11 percent), Ogun with 132,823 (9.63 percent) and the FCT with 107,682 (7. 81 percent).

    Ebonyi takes the rear with 261 persons (0.02 percent), followed by Imo with 481 (0. 03 percent), Enugu with 484 (0.04 percent) while

    Abia has the highest number from the South East with 772 (0. 06 percent)

    A statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said a total of 1,379,342 Nigerians registered nationwide in just one week.

    The statement reads: “The nationwide online pre-registration of voters commenced on Monday, 18th August 2025. As of yesterday, Sunday 24th August 2025, a total of 1,379,342 Nigerians registered nationwide in just one week.

    “As promised, the Commission is glad to publish the first weekly update of the exercise by providing details of the registration by State, gender, age, occupation and disability.

    “The breakdown of the online pre-registrations shows that 661,846 (47.96%) are male and 717,856 (52.04%) are female. Young people between the ages of 18 and 34 constitute the majority of the registrants, with 860,286 (62.37%).

    Read Also: CVR: INEC conduct road show to sensitise Nigerians

    “In terms of occupation, 374,534 (27.15%) are students, while the figure for persons with disability is 27,089 (1.96%). Full details have been published on our website and other official platforms for public information.

    “Meanwhile, physical registration kicks off today in our 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide. This will afford those who prefer the in-person option to register at the centres and those who choose the online pre-registration method to complete their registration.

    “Once again, the Commission appeals to the public that the ongoing voter registration is only open to Nigerian citizens who are at least 18 years old and who are not registered voters. Double or multiple registration is a violation of the law. However, inter-State/FCT and intra-State/FCT transfer of voters, as well as the replacement of lost or damaged voters’ cards, are allowed during the CVR.

    “The exercise will continue for one year until 30th August 2026. However, the Commission urged all intending registrants not to wait until the deadline approaches when, from experience, the registration centres are inundated by eleventh hour registrants amidst appeals for extension of time”.

    However, the list published does not include Anambra state, where the Continuous Voter Registration was conducted recently in preparation for the November governorship election in the state.

  • CVR: INEC conduct road show to sensitise Nigerians

    CVR: INEC conduct road show to sensitise Nigerians

    • Over 500,000 registered online in five days- Commission

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday  carried out a road show to create awareness about the commencement of the 2025 Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    The Commission, however, announced that over 505,906 Nigerians had completed their online pre-registration for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise within the first five days of its resumption.

    Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who spoke at the commencement of the exercise asked eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the exercise to register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

     Professor Yakubu described the impressive response as a clear indication that Nigerians remain eager to participate in the democratic process.

     Represented by one of the National Commissioners, Barr. May Agbamuche Mbu, the INEC Chairman emphasised that voter registration is the foundation of credible elections and encouraged Nigerians who have attained voting age, those who wish to transfer their registration, or those in need of replacement for lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), to take advantage of the window provided.

    Read Also: Only neutral INEC leadership can guarantee credible elections – Civil Societies

    He said “as at midnight of Thursday, 22nd of August, 2025, over 505,906 citizens have pre-registered since the portal opened five days ago. For us, this is a testament that Nigerians believe in our democracy and the efforts of the Commission to further strengthen the electoral process.”

    He explained that the exercise, which commenced with online pre-registration on Monday, 18th August 2025, will move into its physical phase from Monday, 25th August 2025, adding that from that date, citizens who pre-registered online as well as those registering afresh will be able to complete the process at INEC local government and state offices nationwide where their biometrics will be captured.

    While calling on political parties, civil society organisations, the media and stakeholders to join hands with the Commission in raising awareness, Prof Yakubu said “Your Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is key to making your voice heard.”

    The CVR exercise will run across 811 centers nationwide, including all 774 local government offices and state offices, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

  • 37,169 PVCs unclaimed in Bauchi – INEC

    37,169 PVCs unclaimed in Bauchi – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared 37,169 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) unclaimed in Bauchi State.

    The commission also began Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim said this at a news conference on Friday in Bauchi.

    Ibrahim expressed concern over voter apathy and under-registration, urging eligible residents to seize the opportunity to register or update their voter details.

    He enjoined the registered voters to collect their PVCs to ensure full participation in the democratic process.

    “Bauchi State currently has 2,749,268 registered voters, with 20 local government areas, 212 tegistration wards, and 5,423 polling units.

    “INEC resumed the CVR exercise with online pre-registration opening on Aug. 18, 2025, and physical registration beginning on Aug. 25, 2025, at designated centres across the state.

    Read Also: ‘Participating in INEC CVR will ease change of govt to APC’

    “The exercise will run until Aug. 30, 2026, operating Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, excluding public holidays,” he said.

    The REC outlined services available during the CVR to include fresh registration, correction of personal details, replacement of lost or damaged PVCs, transfer of registration, and collection of unclaimed PVCs.

    According to Ibrahim, multiple registration, underage registration, and proxy collection of PVCs are electoral offences under the Electoral Act 2022, that attract stiff penalties.

    While reiterating INEC’s commitment to free, fair and inclusive registration process, Ibrahim urged eligible Nigerians to participate in the exercise.

    (NAN) 

  • CVR: INEC conduct road show to sensitise Nigerians, says over 500,000 register online in five days

    CVR: INEC conduct road show to sensitise Nigerians, says over 500,000 register online in five days

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday launched a roadshow to raise awareness about the commencement of the 2025 Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, announcing that more than 505,906 Nigerians have already completed their online pre-registration within the first five days.

    Speaking at the event, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represented by National Commissioner Barr. May Agbamuche Mbu urged eligible citizens to seize the opportunity to register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He described the overwhelming response as evidence of Nigerians’ strong commitment to democratic participation.

    Yakubu emphasised that voter registration is the foundation of credible elections, calling on those who have turned 18, need to transfer their records, or replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to take advantage of the exercise.

    Read Also: 2027: Emir of Zazzau lauds INEC for conducting CVR exercise

    “As of midnight Thursday, August 22, 2025, over 505,906 citizens have pre-registered since the portal opened on Monday, August 18,” he said. “This is a clear indication of Nigerians’ faith in our democracy and the Commission’s efforts to strengthen the electoral process.”

    The Commission noted that physical registration will begin on Monday, August 25, 2025, at INEC State and Local Government offices nationwide, where biometrics will be captured. The CVR exercise will run across 811 centres, including all 774 local government offices, Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    Yakubu appealed to political parties, civil society groups, the media, and stakeholders to support voter education and awareness campaigns, stressing that the PVC remains “the key to making your voice heard.”

    Through its portal, [www.cvr.inecnigeria.org](http://www.cvr.inecnigeria.org), citizens can pre-register, check PVC status, locate registration centres, transfer records, request replacements, and correct personal information. Special provisions have been made for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.

    INEC reiterated that the CVR is strictly for new voters and those updating their details, warning that multiple registrations will not be tolerated.

    Other dignitaries present included National Commissioner Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, and senior officials from the Information, Gender and Inclusivity, and Voter Education departments.

  • Only neutral INEC leadership can guarantee credible elections – Civil Societies

    Only neutral INEC leadership can guarantee credible elections – Civil Societies

    The civil societies have decried the selection process of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that whoever will succeed the outgoing occupant of the office should be neutral and be of high integrity.

    This position was canvassed at the public presentation of three key outputs from its Civic Space, Poverty and Elections (CISPEN) project to ensure constitutional altercation and trust in INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections, by the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD).

    The groups argued that credible elections, being the heartbeat of democracy, would require a neutral electoral umpire but faulted the process of appointing the leadership of the body.

    Presenting a keynote address at the presentation, titled, “Towards a free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria,” an activist and leadership development expert, Dr. Hussain Abdu said INEC’s independence is only as strong as the process by which its leaders are selected, lamenting  that process is fundamentally flawed.

    Expressed worry over Nigeria’s troubled electoral history, describing it as one marred by manipulation, imposition of leaders, and political violence.

    He warned that unless the process of appointing INEC leadership is reformed, the country’s democratic journey will continue to face setbacks.

    “If credible elections are the heartbeat of democracy, and civic space is the oxygen that keeps it alive, then INEC, our electoral umpire, is the referee tasked with ensuring the rules of the game are fair. But here lies the problem: how can we expect the game to be fair when the referee is chosen by one of the teams?

    “INEC’s independence is only as strong as the process by which its leaders are selected. And today, that process is fundamentally flawed,” he said.

    Abdu also decried the long history of electoral malpractice in Nigeria, noting that citizens have become increasingly frustrated by rigged elections and political violence.

    “There is also a growing sense of frustration, despair, and even cynicism. Cynicism was born from decades of betrayal. Elections that are stolen in broad daylight. Political violence has turned ballots into battlefields. Leaders who emerge not through the honest verdict of the people but from backroom deals and rigged processes.

    “Since independence, Nigeria’s democratic journey has been turbulent, characterised by promising starts and devastating setbacks. From the violent collapse of the First Republic to decades of military rule, and even in this Fourth Republic, our elections have too often been characterised by fraud, violence, voter suppression, and a painful deficit of credibility,” he stated.

    Abdu also challenged citizens to take responsibility for demanding reforms and defending democratic values, stressing that politicians have failed to uphold the principles that sustain democracy.

    “Credible elections don’t happen by chance. Civic space doesn’t defend itself. Independent umpires are not handed out as gifts from the powerful. They are won through struggle, persistence, and the courage of citizens who refuse to accept anything less than democracy in its truest form.

    “As 2027 approaches, the question before us is simple: Will we rise to the challenge? Or will we stand by and watch history repeat itself? I believe the time for apathy and excuses is over. We need to act as swiftly as possible.

    Read Also: ‘Participating in INEC CVR will ease change of govt to APC’

    “Let us build a Nigeria where elections reflect the will of the people. A Nigeria where civic space flourishes. A Nigeria where INEC belongs not to any party or presidency, but to all of us,” he stressed.

    Outlining the key policy outputs of CISPEN, the founding Executive Director of Center LSD, Dr. Otive Igbuzor said the focus of the project includes a policy brief on protecting civic space, a policy brief on improving electoral credibility, and a memorandum for constitutional alteration on INEC leadership appointments.

    Secretary-General of WRAPA, Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi, linked the health of Nigeria’s elections to the shrinking of civic space.

    Represented by Mrs. Yemisi Nathaniel, the WRAPA Secretary-General, said, “Let us recommit ourselves to building a Nigeria where elections are credible, civic voices are protected, and poverty no longer excludes citizens from full democratic participation. The 2027 elections are not far off; the time to act is now.”