INEC Draws Line on Voter Registration Extension Amidst Pressure

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made it clear that it will not extend the continuous voter registration exercise any further. This decision comes despite intense pressure from opposition parties and various civil society groups. According to Wilfred Ifogah, INEC's Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, the commission has to bring the exercise to a close. In an interview with Channels Television, Ifogah stated, 'So we just have to stop the exercise. So for those who are unable to meet up well, I’ll say we are sorry there’s nothing we can do for now.' This statement underscores the commission's resolve not to yield to demands for an extension. Ifogah also highlighted that the previous two-week extension has already placed the commission under significant pressure as it prepares for the upcoming general elections. He explained that the commission requires approximately 75 days to properly prepare the voter registers after the registration process has been halted. The electoral body's stance suggests that it is keen on adhering to its timetable to ensure the elections are conducted without undue delays or complications.