INEC: No Nigerian Political Party Has A Complete Member Register

INEC: No Nigerian Political Party Has A Complete Member RegisterThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that no political party in Nigeria possesses a complete register of its members.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, made this assertion during a discussion with journalists in Benin City.

He challenged any political party claiming to have a complete register to present it, noting that these parties often rely on the Commission to perform tasks that fall within their own responsibilities.

Yakubu highlighted that INEC maintains the largest database of citizens in Nigeria, with 93 million citizens having completed their biometrics on its register. He stated, “As of today, INEC has the largest database of citizens in Nigeria, with 93 million citizens who have completed their biometrics. We are still waiting for political parties to provide us with complete registers of their members, even at the ward level.”

He further emphasized, “There is no political party that has a complete register of its members, even in one ward. Yet, at meetings, they expect us to handle everything.

What are their contributions as political parties to the improvement of our democratic process? If any party has a complete register of its members in Edo State, let them show it.

I will compare it with the records submitted to INEC and prove their claims false. I stand to be corrected.”

Yakubu recalled a previous directive for all records to be brought to Abuja, to which some parties responded with logistical excuses, revealing that they lacked the complete registers.

Regarding the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, Yakubu explained it aims to enable eligible voters to register, replace, and transfer their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to a location of their choice.

He refuted claims that the youth have lost confidence in the Commission following the 2023 general elections, noting that a significant portion of those participating in the CVR in Edo and Ondo states are between 18 and 34 years old.

“When I toured Benin yesterday, the majority of people at the CVR centers were young. They are not disconnected,” Yakubu said.

“Daily updates show that the vast majority of registrants and applicants for transfers in Edo and Ondo are young Nigerians aged 18 to 34. This pattern was also evident during the last general elections.”

Yakubu concluded by emphasizing the Commission’s reliance on data, stating, “For us, we rely on empirical evidence and data.

We do not base our actions on emotions. Most of those registering in Edo and Ondo are students, indicating active youth participation, contrary to the belief that they are disengaged.”