The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned Nigerians against engaging in multiple voter registration, warning that the act constitutes a serious offence under the law.
Speaking during a live programme on Radio Kano on Saturday, the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Hajiya Nahila Bello Dandago, stated that registering more than once violates the Electoral Act and attracts stiff penalties.
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According to her, anyone found guilty risks facing imprisonment, a fine, or both, depending on the provisions of the law.
Dandago further explained that beyond legal consequences, offenders also face electoral sanctions, including the deletion of duplicate records from the voter register, which may ultimately deny them the right to vote.
She reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to expanding voter participation through the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. She noted that the introduction of the “mega registration” initiative aims to increase access by establishing additional registration centres.
The INEC spokesperson added that while the online pre-registration system was introduced to simplify the process, applicants must complete their biometric capturing physically to be eligible.
She also disclosed that the Commission periodically displays registration data to enable prospective voters to verify their details and make necessary corrections.
In his remarks, a member of the CVR Taskforce, Abbas Ibrahim, highlighted ongoing efforts to boost public awareness and participation.
He revealed that 550 student volunteers drawn from nine tertiary institutions across the state have been mobilised to assist students and other residents with the online registration process.
Ibrahim said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral process.
