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Threatens legal action in prima facie evidence of violation of law
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Sets August 18 date for commencement of nationwide CVR
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has complained about the recurring treatment Anambra State’s ruling party is meting out to opposition parties in denying them access to public facilities for electioneering activities.
INEC equally threatened possible legal action in the face of prima facie evidence of the violation of the law, announcing that it will collaborate with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and intensify its collaboration with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu expressed his anger in his remarks at the second regular consultative meeting with the leadership of political parties held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Yakubu frowned that, apart from denying access to open spaces for rallies and processions, the state’s governing party, in extreme cases, charges prohibitive amounts for outdoor advertising.
The electoral umpire warned that these actions are a violation of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate.
Yakubu said: “As campaign activities commence in Anambra State, I wish to draw attention to the perennial complaint by especially opposition parties about the denial of access to public facilities for electioneering activities. These include the state media, public buildings for meetings, and open spaces for rallies and processions. In some cases, prohibitive amounts are charged for outdoor advertising.”
“These actions are a violation of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate. Going forward, the Commission will work with IPAC and intensify our collaboration with ARCON for possible legal action in the face of prima facie evidence of the violation of the law,” he warned.
On the commencement date for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the electoral umpire boss announced that the exercise will resume on August 18 this year with online pre-registration.
He said, “For the nationwide CVR, the Commission has approved the resumption of the online and in-person registration of voters in all the States of the Federation. The online pre-registration will start August 18, 2025, while the in-person registration will follow on 25th August 2025.”
“The exercise will be held simultaneously in all our 37 State and FCT offices as well as our 774 local government offices nationwide. Detailed schedule of activities will be released shortly.
“The Commission has approved the resumption of CVR exercise which will be held at two levels. In view of the forthcoming governorship election, the CVR in Anambra State will commence in the 326 Wards across the State on 8th July 2025 and end on 17th July 2025 from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily, including the weekend.
“During the registration period, new voters as well as those who wish to transfer their registration to Anambra State from other states of the federation or from one location to another within the state will have the opportunity to do so. Similarly, registered voters whose Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) are lost or damaged will have the opportunity to apply for a replacement. Uncollected PVCs from previous registrations will also be available for collection at the registration centres. Interested eligible Nigerian citizens are encouraged to appear in person to register.
“The online pre-registration option is not available for the time being. Voter registration and the compilation of the voters’ register must be completed not later than 90 days before the date fixed for the election as provided by law,” he said.