The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has implored Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the citizens, especially youths, to get involved in deepening the country’s democracy.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at the commission’s consultative meeting with CSOs on Wednesday, January 19, in Abuja, said that citizens should not just lament but get involved in the democratic process.
Yakubu advised CSOs to sensitise voters, especially the youth who constituted the larger percentage in the voter register, to come out and vote on election days.
He disclosed that as of Jan. 17 a total of 8,260,076 Nigerians had commenced or completed their registrations and applications in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, with the youths consistently maintaining the lead.
“Since the exercise commenced in June 2021, INEC has so far published 36 weekly reports which show a consistent pattern of young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 34 years constituting the largest majority of registrants.
“In terms of occupation, students constitute the largest majority of registrants which is consistent with the dominance of young Nigerians as voters.
“We will continue to work with all stakeholders, especially the civil society organisations to sensitise the youths and other categories of voters to ensure that beyond registration, they come out and vote on election days.
“We should not simply lament, criticise and condemn. We must get involved for the good of our democracy and the country,” Yakubu said.
He appreciated the role of CSOs in encouraging and mobilising eligible Nigerians who have not registered to do so.
“At the same time, we want you to continue to sensitise them that those who had registered at any time previously need not register again.
“For those who have completed the registration, the commission is right now undertaking the most comprehensive cleaning up of the data to ensure that only eligible citizens are added to the voters’ register for the 2023 general elections.
“We will share our findings with Nigerians very soon. The actual dates for the collection of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) nationwide will also be announced very soon,” Yakubu said.
