The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently clarify a leaked memo suggesting plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise, warning that such a move could trigger chaos and disenfranchise millions of Nigerians ahead of the elections.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said requiring already registered voters to revalidate their details less than ten months to the polls would create unnecessary barriers, suppress voter turnout, and deepen apathy.
The ADC questioned why such a major electoral exercise is emerging through a leak just days before its proposed implementation, describing the development as troubling and lacking transparency.
The party warned that many Nigerians, particularly those unable to travel within a limited timeframe, risk losing their right to vote if the plan is implemented.
It further cautioned that introducing additional administrative requirements at a time when voter participation is already low could undermine confidence in the electoral process and raise concerns about fairness.
According to the party, any action perceived as favouring the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could damage INEC’s credibility, stressing that the commission must remain impartial both in action and perception.
The ADC argued that if voter revalidation was necessary, it should have been conducted immediately after the last general election, rather than close to another electoral cycle.
It therefore urged INEC to abandon the proposed plan and reassure Nigerians of its commitment to a credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process.
Friday Olokor
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