Group Demands More Polling Units, CVR Extension As 2027 Election Concerns Grow
By IKE UZOR-NZUBECHI
CLO Raises Alarm Over Possible Voter Disenfranchisement
THE Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take urgent measures to prevent what it described as the possible disenfranchisement of about 800,000 residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation said inadequate electoral infrastructure and alleged irregularities during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise could prevent many eligible voters from participating in the polls.
The appeal was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the CLO in Anambra State, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, the Secretary, Comrade Chidi Mbah, and Comrade Damian Ogudike.
Group Seeks CVR Extension & More Polling Units
According to the organisation, INEC should extend the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise to enable more eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
The group also urged the commission to establish additional polling units and electoral wards in rapidly expanding communities across the state.
It argued that population growth in many new layouts and housing estates has not been matched with corresponding expansion in electoral facilities.
The organisation maintained that many residents who relocated from major cities because of economic challenges now live in communities where voting centres remain grossly inadequate.
It specifically mentioned communities such as Nsugbe, Nkwelle, Umunya, Oba, Umuchu and Igbariam as areas experiencing significant population increases.
The CLO claimed that more than 15 housing estates in Nkwelle currently have no polling units.
It also alleged that only two polling units serve the stretch between Magazine Junction and Nkwelle, a situation it described as inadequate for the growing population.
Allegations of Extortion Surface
The organisation also alleged that some prospective voters encountered demands for unofficial payments before they could be registered.
According to the statement, some registration officials allegedly requested between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 from applicants before processing their registration.
The CLO cited the case of elder statesman, Chief Tony Nnaji, who reportedly complained that his daughter visited the Onitsha South Electoral Office on three occasions without being registered after allegedly refusing to pay ₦3,000 requested by officials.
The organisation said it had continued to receive numerous complaints from frustrated residents who claimed they experienced similar difficulties during the registration exercise.
Call for Investigation & Electoral Reforms
The group called on INEC to investigate the allegations and sanction any officials found guilty of misconduct.
It argued that decisive action would strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and discourage future abuses.
The organisation also urged the commission to expand electoral infrastructure before the 2027 general elections to ensure that no eligible voter is denied the opportunity to participate.
Quoting political philosopher Edmund Burke, the CLO said democracy can only thrive when institutions respond promptly to threats capable of undermining public confidence and electoral credibility.
