Asanike Cautions INEC: Publicise Registration Centres, Guard Against Hijack

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Kola Asatola Asanike, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen transparency and vigilance in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

In a statement released recently, he emphasised that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy begins with the voter register, warning that any compromise at this stage could undermine the entire electoral process.

Asanike particularly urged INEC to make public and widely circulate the list of registration centres in all 774 local government areas.

According to him, this measure would prevent confusion among citizens and block avenues for politicians to hijack the process by cornering registration officials for their own interests.

“When centres are not clearly publicised, desperate actors take advantage of the situation to mislead or manipulate unsuspecting voters,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the recurring challenge of polling units being situated far away from the communities they are meant to serve. Many eligible Nigerians, he noted, are discouraged from registering or even casting their votes on election day because they have to travel long distances or navigate unsafe areas.

“It is unacceptable that some citizens still have to trek miles before they can register or vote. INEC must prioritise accessibility because no Nigerian should be disenfranchised by distance,” Asanike stated.

The APC chieftain further warned against the recruitment of mercenaries and underage persons by certain politicians to swell voter registers in their strongholds.

He said rumours are already rife of political actors attempting to take advantage of loopholes in the registration exercise to tilt the process in their favour.

“INEC officials must resist every attempt at hijack. We are hearing troubling reports that some notorious politicians are trying to corner registration officials and register people in bulk for selfish purposes. That is a direct attack on democracy,” he warned.

While acknowledging the new innovations introduced by INEC, such as the online pre-registration portal, PVC status checks, and the identification of collection centres, Asanike stressed that technology alone is not enough.

“Digital solutions are good, but technology without security and transparency is a wasted effort. INEC must back these innovations with strong civic education, monitoring, and accountability,” he added.

He called on INEC to work closely with security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media in ensuring that the CVR exercise is well protected and accessible to every eligible Nigerian.

“Our democracy begins with the register, and if the process is compromised now, Nigerians cannot expect credible elections later,” Asanike cautioned.

Asanike, however, urged Nigerians, especially first-time voters, to take full advantage of the ongoing CVR to register, update their records, and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

According to him, participation in the process is not only a civic duty but also the most effective way citizens can determine their future.

“Your PVC is your voice, your power, and your strength. Do not wait until election day to complain about bad governance if you have not taken the simple but crucial step of registering to vote,” he concluded.