The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State says it is ready to begin the claims and objections exercise for the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration. Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Gabriel Yomere announced the plan in a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Geraldine Ekelemu.
The exercise is designed to allow citizens to verify their details, raise objections, and ensure that the voter register remains accurate ahead of the 2027 elections. INEC officials in Rivers emphasized that transparency and inclusivity are central to the process, urging residents to participate fully.
Public reactions have been mixed. Some residents welcomed the announcement, saying it shows INEC is taking steps to strengthen democracy. “We want our votes to count, and this is part of the process,” one voter said. Others expressed skepticism, citing past experiences where registration exercises were marred by delays and technical issues.
Civil society groups have called on INEC to ensure that the exercise is accessible to rural communities, where voter registration challenges are often more pronounced. “It is not enough to announce readiness; INEC must prove it by reaching every eligible citizen,” a community leader in Rivers noted.
On social media, younger Nigerians voiced support for the initiative, stressing the importance of participation in shaping the country’s future. Many urged their peers to take advantage of the opportunity to correct errors in the voter register and secure their eligibility for the next election cycle.
As the exercise begins, the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process remains under scrutiny. The outcome in Rivers State will serve as a test of INEC’s ability to deliver on its promise of free, fair, and transparent elections, with citizens watching closely to see if the commission can meet expectations.
