Voters Registration: Nigerians Have Rights, DELCOF Blows Hot, Urge INEC to Reopen
By Ezekiel Kagbala FPR
UGHELLI...Civil Society Organizations, umbrella body of Delta Civil Society Organizations Forum DELCOF (non state actors) has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to reopen the Continuous Voters Registration so as not to defranchise any Nigerian.
The Coalition of non state actors led by the Chairman, Dr Agboro Andrew made the call on monday in Asaba for an extension, stating that millions of Nigerians were still trying to locate the sparsely located registration centres across the country. Many were struggling to get registered before the stoppage in compliance with July 31, 2022 deadline given by INEC.
According to him, Nigerians have the ineligible rights to participate in the electoral process as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other international human rights instruments. This rights should freely be exercised by Nigerians without any ecombrance whatsoever by INEC.
He further urged INEC and the Federal Government to be transparent and avoid painting a scenero the would suggests trauncation of a process just to prevent Nigerians from having a means of voting a popular candidate of their choice during the 2023 general election.
He maintained that Nigerians will not relent in their push and quest to exercise their franchise in the 2023 elections.
Dr Agboro said that; "There are still millions of Nigerians who were queueing at the registration centres across the country, struggling to get registered even though the process was far from being easy.
Nigerians are willing to vote in the 2023 general elections if given the opportunity to register and collect their Permanent Voters Card, PVC.
INEC and the Federal Government should have a rethink and reopen the registration process to avoid discouragements and apathy amongst Nigerians who are desirous of positive change.
