Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State chapter, has expressed deep disappointment over what it described as the “shameful and inexcusable failures” plaguing the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Publicity Secretary of the group, Barr. Uzo Ekemezie, raised serious concerns that what should have been a seamless civic process has instead turned into a deliberate scheme to disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters in many communities.
The group cited reports of widespread operational glitches, including grossly inadequate deployment of personnel and registration equipment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite the massive turnout of prospective voters.
According to Ekemezie, several CVR centers across the state also suffer from poor internet bandwidth, with data capturing machines unable to function efficiently, further slowing the registration process.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemns in strong terms the avoidable chaos and systemic failures being reported across Anambra,” the statement read.
“We demand an immediate and unconditional extension of the CVR exercise across the state.”
The group further called for the urgent deployment of sufficient registration machines, trained personnel, and reliable network infrastructure, particularly to underserved rural communities such as Ogbaru, Anambra East and West, Ihiala, and Ayamelum.
“Thousands of potential voters in Ogbaru, Obosi, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ihiala, and many other communities are being systematically denied their constitutional right to register and participate in the electoral process,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze decried the severe shortage of registration equipment, minimal registration centers, and the burden placed on citizens who must travel long distances and endure long queues. It also condemned situations where INEC officials rely on individuals to provide mobile internet connectivity for their systems.
Disturbingly, the group alleged reports of extortion, with registration officers reportedly demanding bribes from citizens before allowing them to register.
“There are transactional bottlenecks, especially in populous areas like Obosi—Nigeria’s largest ward—where most eligible voters have been unable to register,” the group said.
Ohanaeze accused INEC of failing to allocate adequate resources or ethically manage the exercise, thereby casting doubt on its commitment to credible elections in the state.
“We demand an urgent investigation and sanctions for all personnel involved in extortion or other unethical practices. INEC must urgently fix these operational failures to restore public trust ahead of the November governorship election,” the group declared.
It emphasized that no Anambra citizen should be denied their fundamental right to vote, describing disenfranchisement as a grave violation of civic rights and a direct threat to democracy.
Ohanaeze also urged government authorities, political leaders, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to rally together and formally demand immediate intervention from the electoral commission.
“INEC’s responsibility goes beyond organizing elections. It must ensure that every eligible citizen has unfettered access to register and vote,” the statement concluded.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State Chapter, will not accept excuses. What we demand is immediate corrective action. INEC must extend the CVR now, fix the failures, and respect the civic rights of Ndi Anambra.”
