The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received reports from States indicating an unprecedented surge in the number of citizens that wish to register as voters and the challenges they face across the country. In some States, the sudden turnout of prospective registrants is overwhelming.
INEC Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee Barr. Festus Okoye in a statement said the Commission convened an urgent meeting with all the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) yesterday to review the situation so that eligible Nigerians who wish to register are able to do so.
According to the statement, necessity to urgently deploy more voter enrolment machines to ease the congestion at the registration centres was identified as a priority.
Barr.Okoye said the Commission has 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 steps 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 .
He added that the sudden surge is an affirmation of the increasing confidence Nigerians have in electoral process, which the Commission will continue to ensure that this confidence is sustained.
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