Allow 7 million Nigerians to complete voter registration or face legal action, according to SERAP

By Adeleye Kunle

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to “immediately give seven million Nigerians who have carried out their voter registration online the time and opportunity to complete the process, so that they can obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and exercise their right to vote.”

INEC recently revealed that, of the 10,487,972 Nigerians who pre-registered online, only 3,444,378 completed the process at a physical center. This accounts for only 32.8 percent of all completed online registrations.

“The right to vote is not merely the right to cast a ballot, but also the right to be given the time and opportunity to complete the registration process, so that the right can be meaningfully and effectively exercised,” said SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare in a letter dated 13 August 2022.

“Closing the gates on eligible Nigerians and denying them the time and opportunity to complete their registration cannot maintain trust in the electoral process,” according to SERAP.

“Denying a significant number of eligible voters the time and opportunity to complete the registration for their PVCs would impair the right to vote of those affected, deny them a voice in the 2023 elections, and lead to disparate and unfair treatment of these voters,” according to SERAP.

According to the letter, “the failure of the applicants to complete their registration may be due to factors entirely beyond their control, particularly given the well-documented challenges faced by many Nigerians at registration centers across the country.”

“We would appreciate it if the recommended measures were implemented within 7 days of receipt and/or publication of this letter.” If we have not heard from you by that time, SERAP and the affected Nigerians will consider legal action to compel INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“These eligible Nigerians will not be able to vote in the 2023 general elections unless they are given a reasonable time and opportunity to complete the registration process and obtain their voter cards.”

“If citizens’ right to vote is denied, it is a violation of their fundamental right to vote, just as if they are denied the right to vote at all.”

“The applicants’ alleged failure to complete their registration at INEC designated centers is insufficient to justify their exclusion from the 2023 general elections.”

“Any justifications for saving time and money are thus completely inadequate.” Administrative convenience, in light of the fundamental nature of the right to vote, is simply not a compelling justification.”

“Any perceived considerations of saving time cannot justify this severe vote deprivation, especially since Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022 states that ‘the registration of voters, updating and revision of the Register of Voters shall not stop not later than 90 days before any election covered by this Act.’”

“Giving over seven million Nigerians another chance to complete their registration would promote and preserve the right to vote, as well as ensure that legal and eligible voters are not inadvertently and unjustifiably barred from exercising their fundamental right to vote.”

“By denying over seven million Nigerians the opportunity to complete the registration for their PVCs, INEC has unfairly, unreasonably, and unjustifiably denied them the opportunity to be heard on the reasons for not completing their registration at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner.”

“On election days, virtually empty polling places reflect voter distrust.” Historically, voter turnout in Nigeria has been low.”

“Enabling eligible Nigerians to complete their registration would increase citizens’ participation in the electoral process, public trust in the electoral system, and INEC’s ability to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibilities fairly, justly, and reasonably.”

“Section 14(1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) states that “the participation of the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”

“Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance all guarantee political participation, including the right to vote.”

“According to our information, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently disclosed that over seven million Nigerians who pre-registered to vote online were unable to complete the process at physical polling stations.”

“According to an INEC report, of the 10,487,972 Nigerians who completed their pre-registration online, only 3,444,378 Nigerians (32.8 percent) completed the process at a physical center.” 7,043,594 Nigerians pre-registered but have yet to complete the process at a physical center.”

“This represents more than 67% of those who started their registration process online.”

“According to INEC, a total of 12,298,944 Nigerians completed their voter registration; 8,854,566 of whom registered entirely at a physical center.”

“More than seven million Nigerians have already registered online, that is, through the INEC online portal, by providing their biodata and required documents.”

“According to the INEC process, the applicants must visit INEC designated centers for their biometrics to be captured in order to complete the registration for their PVCs.”

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