INEC Dismisses ADC’s Allegations of Manipulated Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected accusations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleging manipulation of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Lagos State.

The ADC had earlier claimed that the electoral body was skewing the registration process, suggesting irregularities that could compromise future elections in the state.

However, INEC described the allegations as baseless and misleading. 

In a statement issued yesterday, the commission’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Lagos, Taiwo Gbadegesin, said the claims had no factual basis.

“The position of the ADC is entirely unfounded. The figures coming from Lagos only reflect what has been consistent for years, a state with a young, active, and tech-oriented population,” Gbadegesin explained.

He pointed out that Lagos has historically led the country in voter registration numbers, citing the previous CVR exercise.

“During the last CVR between 2021 and 2022, Lagos recorded the highest number of new registrations nationwide. 

"The state’s voter roll increased from 6,570,291 before that exercise to 7,060,195 afterwards. What we’re seeing now fits that same pattern,” he said.

Gbadegesin further noted that the figures emerging from the ongoing exercise result from strategic planning, effective deployment of resources, and sustained public enlightenment campaigns by INEC in Lagos.

“Our approach has been consistent, transparent, and data-driven,” he added. 

“The success of the CVR so far speaks more to the commitment of Lagosians to participate in the electoral process than to any form of manipulation.”

The clarification comes as political stakeholders scrutinise voter registration processes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with calls for transparency growing louder across party lines.