Rights Group Faults INEC Over Voter Registration Deadline, Seeks One-Month Extension
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conclusion of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, urging the electoral body to immediately reopen the process for one month to prevent the disenfranchisement of millions of eligible Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rights group argued that the closure of the voter registration and update exercise came despite widespread appeals from citizens who were unable to register or update their records due to logistical challenges, inadequate access to registration centres, network disruptions and other operational constraints.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA warned that denying eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register could weaken public confidence in the electoral process and worsen voter apathy.
According to the group, the credibility of the 2027 general elections will depend not only on what happens on election day but also on the inclusiveness of the electoral process from the registration stage.
HURIWA maintained that an extension of the CVR exercise by one month would strengthen, rather than disrupt, preparations for the elections by ensuring that every qualified Nigerian has a reasonable opportunity to exercise his or her constitutional right to vote.
The organisation also faulted what it described as the absence of sustained nationwide voter education by INEC, saying there has been little visible effort to mobilise citizens to participate in the electoral process or discourage the growing menace of vote buying and vote selling.
It expressed concern that despite repeated assurances about electoral reforms, there is no evidence of a comprehensive public enlightenment campaign capable of educating voters on the dangers of electoral corruption or encouraging greater participation in the democratic process.
HURIWA further questioned the level of preparedness by institutions responsible for enforcing electoral laws, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The association said Nigerians are yet to see a coordinated strategy by the electoral commission and security agencies to detect, prevent and prosecute vote buying, voter intimidation and other electoral offences before the 2027 polls.
“It is not enough to remind politicians that vote buying is illegal. Nigerians need visible evidence that those who violate the Electoral Act will be identified, arrested and prosecuted. Electoral integrity depends on enforcement, not merely public statements,” the group said.
HURIWA also warned that voter apathy remains a major challenge that requires urgent intervention, noting that many Nigerians have become increasingly discouraged because they believe their votes may not count and that electoral offenders often escape punishment.
It called on INEC to work closely with credible civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, traditional rulers, youth and women’s groups, professional bodies and the media to embark on an aggressive nationwide voter mobilisation campaign.
According to the association, voter education should extend beyond teaching citizens how to cast ballots and should also promote peaceful participation, discourage electoral violence, reject vote buying and strengthen confidence in democratic institutions.
The group insisted that reopening voter registration for an additional month would enhance the legitimacy, inclusiveness and credibility of the 2027 elections by ensuring that no eligible Nigerian is excluded from participating in the country’s democratic process.
HURIWA urged INEC to reconsider the registration deadline and demonstrate its commitment to expanding democratic participation through practical measures that inspire public confidence in the electoral system.
The association maintained that credible elections begin long before polling day and depend on broad voter participation, effective civic education and the strict enforcement of electoral laws.