Cautious Optimism and Concerns Surround the Resumed CVR Exercise
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is preparing for a resumed Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which has sparked both cautious optimism and strong reservations among various stakeholders. As the nation gears up for the 2027 general election, the commission is working to re-engage citizens in the voter registration process. Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been actively promoting awareness of the program, emphasizing its importance as the exercise begins this week.
During a budget defense session with the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly Complex on January 10, 2025, INEC Chairman highlighted the need for increased funding. He cited financial constraints from the previous fiscal year, where the commission was allocated N40 billion but had to request an additional N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections. To address these challenges, he proposed a budget of N126 billion for 2025, focusing on key areas such as off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun; Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory; CVR; preparations for the 2027 elections; and replacing damaged voter cards.
Criticisms of INEC’s Approach to CVR
Dr. Wunmi Bewaji, a former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives and legal practitioner, criticized INEC’s approach to CVR, calling it archaic and a waste of public funds. He argued that the commission should leverage modern technology and utilize data from government agencies like the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC). According to Bewaji, Nigeria has access to various forms of individual data, including driver’s licenses, Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), and National Identity Numbers (NIN). He suggested that INEC should integrate this data to streamline the registration process.
Bewaji pointed out that the data of most Nigerians is already with NIMC, making it unnecessary for INEC to conduct repetitive and costly registration exercises. He emphasized that using existing data would not only save money but also improve efficiency. He drew a comparison with NELFUND, which uses centralized data systems to verify student information without setting up new departments in schools. Similarly, he urged INEC to rely on NIMC for identity management and allow other agencies to access this data.
A Step Toward Deepening Democratic Participation
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) views the CVR exercise as a critical step toward deepening democratic participation. However, the president general of COSEYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, expressed concerns about recurring issues undermining the process in the South East. These include security challenges, disenfranchisement, intimidation, harassment, and limited registration windows. Ibem noted that in some parts of the region, security threats discourage people from visiting registration centers, disenfranchising thousands of eligible voters.
He also raised fears that technical hitches, equipment shortages, or deliberate under-deployment of INEC staff could result in fewer registrations in the South East compared to other regions. Despite these concerns, COSEYL remains committed to ensuring that the CVR process reaches all corners of the country.
Voter Apathy and Political Discontent
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) believes that the current political situation, particularly in the federal administration, has led to widespread disappointment among Nigerians. Spokesman Comrade Mark Adebayo attributed this sentiment to bad governance, insecurity, poverty, and food crises since the administration came into power in May 2023. He projected a sharp decline in voter turnout, blaming it on voter registration apathy and dissatisfaction with the government.
Adebayo noted that many eligible voters are no longer interested in participating in electoral processes due to a loss of confidence in the government. He estimated that if 10 percent of eligible voters register, it would be considered a success. However, he warned that the actual number might be much lower, reflecting a growing disengagement from the political system.
Addressing Ethno-Religious Biases and Security Challenges
Pastor Bassey James, Coordinator of the Southern Youths Development Forum (SYDF), urged INEC to avoid ethno-religious biases, nepotism, and tribalism while ensuring the CVR exercise covers all parts of the country. He called on INEC leadership to be patriotic and ensure that no Nigerian is disenfranchised. James emphasized the need for stable transitions and effective coverage of areas with security challenges, noting that collaboration with security agencies is essential.
Preventing Fraud and Ensuring Accuracy
Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, a chieftain of Afenifere, stressed the importance of updating the voter register, especially for those who have reached the voting age. He warned against the importation of people from neighboring countries, as seen in past elections, and called for vigilance against underage registration.
Challenges in Remote Areas
Several civil society organizations (CSOs) have raised concerns about the insufficient number of registration centers in remote and riverine areas. Honourable Anietie Eka, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, warned that this could disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters. He also highlighted the challenges of transportation and overcrowding at existing centers, which may lead to frustration and apathy.
The Akwa Ibom Civil Society Coalition (ACSOC) echoed these concerns, citing past experiences of technical breakdowns and slow processing at registration points. The coordinator, Mrs. Idara Akpan, noted that network failures, poor crowd control, and inadequate voter sensitization previously discouraged participation. She urged INEC to address these issues to build public confidence and ensure a smooth registration process.
Despite these challenges, CSOs remain hopeful that improved logistics, better-trained personnel, and timely deployment of functional equipment can lead to a credible and inclusive registration process.