Multiple Voter Registration Attracts Prosecution, INEC Chairman Warns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that engaging in multiple registration by any eligible voter attracts prosecution as it violates the Electoral Act 2022.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave the hint in his remarks during the public presentation of the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan (SP) and the 2023 Election Project Plan (EPP) held at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja on Wednesday April 21.

Prof. Yakubu who warned that no citizen should engage in such act or encourage others to do so, stated that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will continue till 30th June, 2022 and urged all eligible unregistered voters to avail themselves of the opportunity to register and get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“Citizens are therefore advised not to register more than once as multiple registration is an offence under the Electoral Act.

“Anyone engaged in the act of double or multiple registration is liable to prosecution. No citizen should engage in it or encourage others to violate the law,” Yakubu advised.

The INEC boss also reiterated the commission’s earlier declaration that PVCs have no expiry dates and therefore remains valid for all elections in the country.

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He said those whose PVCs got damaged or lost, should go to any nearby INEC registration centre to get replacement.

“For emphasis, the Commission once again reiterates that PVCs have no expiry dates. We want to assure all registered voters that PVCs issued by the Commission remain valid for all elections. We have encouraged those whose lost their voters cards or whose cards are damaged to approach any of the registration centres to apply for replacement.

“Similarly, voters who had issues with their accreditation in previous elections have been encouraged to revalidate and update their information.
“In addition, those who wish to transfer their registration from one location to another within a particular State or to relocate entirely to another State of the Federation can do so at any of the registration centres nationwide.

“These steps are in compliance with the law in order to serve Nigerians better,” INEC boss indicated.

Yakubu said the dates in the timetable and schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election remains as fixed and urged all stakeholders to take it into consideration in planning their activities.

The 2022-2026 Strategic Plan (SP) and the 2023 Election Project Plan (EPP) according to the INEC Chairman, drew lessons from and thoroughly reviewed the level of implementation of the past plans such as the 2017 – 2021 SP and the 2019 EPP.

The SP is a roadmap designed to guide INEC in work of electoral management for the next five years.