The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned members of the public against engaging in multiple voter registration, warning that the act carries serious legal and electoral consequences.
Speaking during a live programme on Radio Kano on Saturday, the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Hajiya Nahila Bello Dandago, described multiple registration as a criminal offence under the Electoral Act.
She explained that anyone found guilty risks imprisonment, payment of fines, or both, in accordance with the law.
Beyond legal penalties, Dandago noted that offenders also face electoral sanctions, including the deletion of duplicate records, which could ultimately invalidate their voting rights.
She reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to ensuring widespread participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), stating that the current “mega registration” exercise was designed to expand access through the establishment of additional registration centres.
According to her, the introduction of online pre-registration is aimed at easing the process, but stressed that completing the physical biometric capturing remains mandatory for eligibility.
Dandago further disclosed that the registration data is periodically displayed to enable prospective voters to verify their details and make necessary corrections.
Also speaking on the programme, a member of the CVR Taskforce, Abbas Ibrahim, highlighted ongoing mobilisation efforts to boost public awareness.
He revealed that 550 student volunteers drawn from nine tertiary institutions across the state have been engaged to assist fellow students and other residents with the online registration process.
Ibrahim said the initiative is part of broader efforts to deepen voter participation and ensure that eligible citizens are not left out of the electoral process.
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