INEC dismisses ADC allegations over Osun voter registration figures

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State has refuted allegations by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise has produced statistically implausible figures.

In a statement issued by the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, on Tuesday in Osogbo, INEC described the ADC’s claims as unfounded and misleading.

Olurode in the statement noted that Osun State had consistently recorded high levels of civic enthusiasm during voter registration exercises, particularly ahead of the 2022 Governorship Election and the 2023 General Elections.

He also stressed that this pattern was not new.

“Osun State led all other states of the federation in online pre-registration during previous exercises. This is a verifiable fact from official INEC records,” the statement said.

INEC clarified that online pre-registration was only the first step in the voter registration process and did not automatically confer the status of a registered voter.

The process, it explained, required biometric capture at designated centres.

“It is pertinent to emphasise that online pre-registration is only the first step in the voter registration process. Any attempt to create the impression that these figures translate directly into actual voter registration is unfounded,” the Commission stated.

The electoral body added that the ADC’s reference to statistical implausibility was untrue and inconsistent with Osun’s record of high civic engagement.

It described the figures as evidence of growing democratic awareness.

“We strongly advise political parties to exercise due diligence by cross-checking facts with the Commission before rushing to the press with unfounded allegations,” Olurode stated.

The Commission urged political parties to focus on sensitisation and mobilisation of eligible voters rather than discrediting INEC with what it called baseless accusations.

“The path of responsibility and patriotism expected of registered political parties is to encourage participation in the CVR exercise,” the statement noted.

INEC reassured residents that the Osun State Office, under the leadership of Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Mutiu Agboke, remained committed to transparency and inclusiveness in all electoral processes.

“The impressive turnout witnessed so far is a testament to the effectiveness of our sustained voter enlightenment campaigns,” Olurode said.

The Commission reiterated that the CVR exercise was being conducted strictly in line with the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines, and global best practices, and assured that it would not be distracted by unsubstantiated claims.

DAILY POST recalled that the ADC had raised concerns over what it described as the statistically implausible figures released by INEC in its first-week report on continuous voter registration, CVR.

The ADC said the numbers from Osun state alone defy both historical patterns and demographic realities, with nearly 400,000 new registrations reportedly completed in just seven days.

A statement by Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary, said the figures, if left unchecked, could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

INEC dismisses ADC allegations over Osun voter registration figures