Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a shocking revelation, the Edo Youths Arise Initiative (EDYAI) has sounded the alarm bells over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) reluctance to kick-start the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the crucial September 21 governorship election.
Truth Live News gathered that, according to Jerome Omonogbe Tadefua, the National Coordinator of the coalition, the delay in commencing the registration process is causing grave concerns among Edolites, who fear being disenfranchised, especially the youth population.
“It’s alarming that INEC has remained silent on the CVR exercise in Edo State. Even if they start today, Edolites will only have 45 days, considering the high turnout expected,” Tadefua stated in a press release issued in Benin City.
The coalition demanded answers from INEC, accusing the electoral body of a possible conspiracy to disenfranchise thousands of potential voters. They challenged INEC to clarify its stance and criticized the absence of a National Electoral Commissioner for Edo State on the INEC website.
Adding fuel to the fire, Comrade Abiola Daisy Igaga, President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOS), lambasted INEC for flouting the Electoral Act by delaying the CVR exercise.
“With the election scheduled for September 21st, it’s worrying that INEC hasn’t started the CVR in Edo State. This goes against Section 10.1 of the Electoral Act, which mandates continuous voter registration,” Igaga exclaimed during an emergency press conference held at CONGOS Secretariat.
She urged INEC to obey the law, stressing that the electoral process must be seen as credible and inclusive. CONGOS vowed to collaborate with INEC to enhance voter education but demanded immediate action to resume the CVR exercise.
The stakes are high as Edo residents await INEC’s response amidst fears of being left out of the democratic process. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.