By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it described as the “shameful and inexcusable” failures plaguing the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the State.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Uzo Ekemezie, expressed deep concern over widespread irregularities, calling the entire process a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise eligible voters across numerous communities.
“What should have been a straight forward civic exercise has turned into a chaotic and exclusionary process,” Ekemezie said.
“Reports indicate a glaring shortage of registration officials and equipment, poor internet connectivity, and a general lack of preparedness on INEC’s part.”
Ohanaeze is demanding an immediate and unconditional extension of the CVR exercise. The Group also urged INEC to deploy more registration machines, qualified personnel, and reliable network infrastructure particularly in underserved areas such as Ogbaru, Anambra East and West, Ihiala, and Ayamelum.
According to the Group, thousands of eligible voters in these communities are being systematically denied their constitutional right to register and participate in the democratic process.
“Many potential voters have been forced to travel long distances, endure long queues, and suffer through failed systems due to inadequate internet and manpower,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze also alleged that extortion is rampant, with some citizens reportedly being asked to pay bribes to access registration services.
In highly populated areas like Obosi Nigeria’s largest ward many residents have been unable to register due to overwhelmed or non-functional centers.
The Group condemned INEC’s apparent lack of planning and failure to ethically manage the exercise, warning that this could jeopardize the credibility of the upcoming elections in Anambra State.
Ohanaeze further called for an urgent investigation into all reported cases of extortion and abuse of office during the CVR process. It urged the electoral body to sanction any staff found to have compromised the integrity of the registration process.
“No Anambra citizen should be denied the right to register and vote,” Ekemezie emphasized. “Disenfranchisement in any form is an attack on democracy and civil rights.”
The Group appealed to the government, political leaders, civil society, and relevant stakeholders to rise to the occasion and collectively demand immediate reforms from INEC.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter, will not tolerate excuses,” the statement concluded. “We demand action. INEC must extend the registration period, fix the operational failures, and guarantee every citizen’s right to participate in the electoral process.”
