The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that the allegation against the commission by African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding the statistic of the pre-online registration in the ongoing continues voter registration exercise in Osun State as baseless.
INEC made this declaration via a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the commission, Musa Olurode.
Olurode in the statement issued on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, noted that the figures recorded in the state are consistent with the state’s history of active civic engagement.
The commission noted that such act should be celebrated as evidence of growing democratic awareness rather than condemning it with a baseless allegation.
The commission in the statement, said that Osun State has consistently demonstrated remarkable civic enthusiasm and responsiveness to voter registration.
It noted that during the CVR exercise preceding the 2022 Governorship Election and the 2023 General Elections, Osun State led all other states of the federation in online pre-registration.
The commission while speaking further, maintained that the people of Osun State have shown, time and again, their uncommon commitment to electoral participation, which translated into massive voter mobilization and impressive registration figures. It is pertinent to emphasize that online pre-registration is only the first step in the voter registration process. It does not in itself confer the status of a registered voter unless validated by physical or in-person biometric capture at designated INEC centres.
It warned that any attempt to create the impression that online pre-registration figures automatically translate into actual voter registration is unfounded.
INEC in the statement said, “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Office, has been drawn to an unfounded and baseless allegation credited to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding what it described as “statistically implausible figures” of pre-online registration in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with particular reference to Osun State.
“It is imperative for the Commission in the State to set the records straight and ensure that the unsuspecting public is not misled. We therefore wish to categorically state the following: Osun State has consistently demonstrated remarkable civic enthusiasm and responsiveness to voter registration. During the CVR exercise preceding the 2022 Governorship Election and the 2023 General Elections, Osun State led all other states of the federation in online pre-registration. This is not a matter of conjecture but a verifiable fact from official INEC records.
“The people of Osun State have shown, time and again, their uncommon commitment to electoral participation, which translated into massive voter mobilization and impressive registration figures. It is pertinent to emphasize that online pre-registration is only the first step in the voter registration process. It does not in itself confer the status of a registered voter unless validated by physical or in-person biometric capture at designated INEC centres. Therefore, any attempt to create the impression that online pre-registration figures automatically translate into actual voter registration is unfounded.
“The ADC’s claim of “statistical implausibility” is untrue.The figures recorded so far are consistent with the State’s history of active civic engagement and should rather be celebrated as evidence of growing democratic awareness rather than disparaged with baseless insinuations.
“We strongly advise political parties to exercise due diligence by cross-checking facts with the Commission before rushing to the press with unfounded allegations. Spreading misinformation does not serve the democratic process; rather, it undermines the collective efforts of stakeholders committed to credible elections.
“Instead of dissipating energy on baseless accusations and discrediting INEC, we urge political parties, to join hands in the critical task of sensitizing, educating, and mobilizing eligible Nigerians, particularly in Osun State, to participate in the CVR exercise. This is the path of responsibility and patriotism expected of a registered political parties in a democracy.
“The INEC Osun State Office under the able leadership of Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in all electoral processes. The impressive turnout witnessed so far in Osun State is a testament to the effectiveness of our sustained voter enlightenment and mobilization campaigns, via conventional and non-conventional strategies which we shall continue to pursue with vigor.
“In conclusion, we reaffirm that the ongoing CVR exercise in Osun State and across the federation is being conducted strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines, and global best practices. The Commission will not be distracted by unsubstantiated claims but will continue to discharge its mandate with fairness, integrity, and transparency”.