A coalition of civil society organizations, the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOS), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to deny eligible voters in Edo State their voting rights in the September 2024 governorship election.

Speaking at an emergency press conference held in Benin City, the President of CONGOS, Comrade Abiola Daisy Igaga, accused INEC of disregarding the Electoral Act and preventing potential voters from registering with the commission to vote in the election.

Comrade Igaga emphasized the importance of inclusive and credible elections, stating that INEC’s actions were in violation of the law.

“The primary objective of the press conference was to draw attention to INEC’s failure to comply with the Electoral Act of 2022, as amended, and the legality of the continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise.

“Of particular concern was the fact that INEC had not yet initiated the CVR exercise in Edo State, despite the upcoming elections scheduled for September 21st,” he said.

Comrade Igaga pointed to Section 10.1 of the Electoral Act, which clearly mandated the continuous registration of all eligible voters.

“Furthermore, when read in conjunction with Section 9.6 of the act, it becomes evident that the CVR exercise must be concluded on or before June 21st, 2024, as it must end 90 days before the election,” he added.

Comrade Igaga stressed the need for INEC to address the concerns of the people and restore confidence in the electoral process.

The coalition further called upon the INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, to fulfill his promise of strengthening the electoral process while pledging its support to INEC in enhancing voter education and combating voter apathy.

It also urged the commission to demonstrate goodwill by promptly resuming the CVR exercise in Edo State, emphasizing that the exercise was not optional but a mandatory provision of the law.