Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has expressed its readiness to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in sensitising residents of the state on the ongoing online voter registration exercise.
The commission’s chairman, Dr. Joseph Aremo, gave the assurance in a statement by the its spokesman, Alhaji Bisi Agboola.
According to Aremo, the exercise is a crucial stage in Nigeria’s democratic process as it determines the extent to which citizens can participate in choosing their leaders at all levels.
He stressed that the possession of a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is the only means by which eligible adults can exercise their franchise.
He said “The absence of a voter card automatically disqualifies an otherwise eligible citizen from voting. That is why this registration exercise is important and must be taken seriously by everyone qualified,”
Aremo explained that the online registration will benefit various categories of people including those who have recently relocated to new areas, individuals who have attained the voting age of 18, and those who have lost their voter cards.
He, however, cautioned against double or multiple registrations, warning that such acts contravene electoral regulations and attract stiff penalties.
“We must avoid situations where people attempt to register more than once. Such actions amount to electoral offences and will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he warned.
The ODIEC boss also urged citizens who had previously registered but were yet to collect their PVCs to immediately visit INEC offices in their respective local government areas to retrieve their cards.
He commended INEC for introducing the online registration system, describing it as a positive innovation that would reduce the stress associated with manual registration and help improve participation, especially among young people and professionals.
Aremo further reiterated ODIEC’s commitment to continuous voter education and mobilisation in collaboration with community leaders, civil society organisations, and the media.
According to him, such partnerships would help increase awareness and ultimately boost voter turnout in future elections.
“Our duty as a state electoral body is not only to conduct local government elections but also to ensure that citizens understand the importance of the democratic process.
“Voter registration is the first step to credible elections, and we will do everything possible to support INEC in this regard,”
The online voter registration exercise by INEC is part of efforts to update the national voters’ register ahead of upcoming elections.
