Five weeks into the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voter apathy has continued to mar participation in the South-East and South-South zones.
Data released by INEC show that in 35 days, the South-East recorded only 76,493 online pre-registrations and 22,991 physical registrations, while the South-South registered 280,904 online and 27,690 physical voters. Combined figures from the 10 states in the two regions fall below the numbers recorded in Osun State alone, where 578,904 online pre-registrations and 83,284 physical registrations were reported.
INEC noted that online pre-registration was suspended in Anambra State due to the November 8 governorship election, in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2002. Enugu State ranked lowest nationwide, with just 2,931 online pre-registrations and 426 physical registrations.
Overall, the South-West is leading with 1.64 million online and 158,627 physical registrants, followed by the North-West with 1.32 million online and 68,733 physical. While the North leads in online registrations (3.19 million), the South has higher physical registrants (209,308 compared to 182,588).
Why Voters Are Reluctant
Analysts and citizens cited several reasons for the low turnout, including loss of confidence in the electoral process, poor publicity, cumbersome registration procedures, and disillusionment following the 2023 general elections.
- Loss of confidence: A former community administrator in Enugu, Chief Charles Okwor, said people have lost faith because “votes don’t count,” while others blamed corruption and judicial manipulation of election outcomes.
- Disillusionment: Young voters like Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi in Imo State said they see elections as predetermined, while some residents in Ebonyi and Anambra echoed similar frustrations.
- Accessibility: Residents of Abia and Cross River said distance and high transport costs discourage participation, urging INEC to bring registration centres closer to wards.
- Lack of awareness: Some, like a commercial driver in Imo, said they were not even aware the registration was ongoing.
Stakeholders React
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, urged Ndigbo to take the registration seriously, while the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Afenifere also called on Nigerians not to be complacent.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) dismissed claims of apathy in the South-South but insisted INEC must make the process less cumbersome given current economic hardships.
Experts, however, said deeper issues of distrust are driving apathy.
- Yiaga Africa’s Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu, blamed inadequate publicity, poor voter education, and overcrowded centres, calling for better use of social media to reach young voters.
- International Press Centre (IPC) Director, Lanre Arogundade, said distrust in the electoral process is discouraging participation, stressing the need for reforms to restore confidence.
- The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) also blamed lack of trust and called for reforms to block rigging.
Call for Reforms
Stakeholders highlighted the need for compulsory electronic transmission of results, stronger independence of INEC, and credible leadership appointments to rebuild public trust.
Political scientist Prof. Okey Oji of Enugu State University of Science and Technology warned that the South-East cannot continue to demand a president of Igbo extraction without building sufficient voting power, urging residents to register in large numbers.
