INEC, Media Unite to Mobilise Nigerians for CVR in Edo, Ondo

• Journalists Advised to Apply for Accreditation within timeframe

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday continued with its consultations with critical stakeholders on its preparations for the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections, when it met with media executives at its headquarters in Abuja. The Governorship elections will hold in the two States on 21st September and 16th November 2024 respectievly.

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, seized the opportunity to appeal to media orgaisations for support in mobilising citizens in both States for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) that will run simulataneously from Monday 27th May to Wednesday 5th June 2024.

Prof. Yakubu explained that due to time constraints, the CVR will take place at the Ward level and state offices, while the training of at least 794 officials drawn from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Commission’s regular staff that will manage the CVR would commence shortly.

The INEC Chairman said: “The Commission appeals to the media to join us in mobilising prospective registrants for the exercise, particularly on the need to register early and not wait until the deadline approaches when the registration centres will be inundated by eleventh hour registrants.

“In addition to the registration of voters, the Commission will also make available the uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for collection during the CVR exercise. In the coming days, the list of uncollected PVCs will be published in our offices in the two States and simultaneously uploaded to our website. We believe doing so will make it easier for voters to collect their PVCs. However, no PVCs will be collected by proxy. Registered voters should come in person to collect their cards.”

The INEC Chairman also emphasised the need for media organisations to submit applications for accreditation to cover and report the elections in good time once the application portal opens, warning that the Commission will not entertain requests made outside the deadline for receipt of applications.   According to him, early application within the allowed timeframe will enable the Commission to produce and deliver the identity cards for journalists covering the election in good time.

Responding, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo commended the Commission for its openness in engaging the media.

Represented by the National Secretary of NUJ, Achike Chude, he maintained that the resolve of the media to get things right in the country was iron clad and “there is no disputation, no hesitancy about that”.

Chude further stated: “With regard to the forthcoming elections, I want to assure the INEC Chairman and the citizens of this great country that the media will not be found wanting. We will amplify your voice. Just as we have done previously, we will create the right environment, the right atmosphere to ensure our people will be motivated enough to come out to exercise their franchise. Just as you have given us a a responsibility, we also want to emphasize of INEC to also do their bit, to also do their best to get it right.”