The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says in the next few days, it will display the preliminary voter register in all the wards, registration areas and local government Councils in the country for claims and objections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu said this in Abuja during the consultative meeting between the Commission and Media Executives.
Professor Yakubu said that the display of the voter register nationwide was in fulfillment of section 19 (1) and (2) of the electoral act, 2022.
The INEC boss said the physical display of the register will take place at the designated centres from Saturday 12th to Friday the 25th of November this year.
He also hinted that further details, including the procedure for filing claims and objections, would be released by the Commission next week.
Professor Yakubu appealed to Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the display to scrutinise the list and help the Commission to further clean the register.
The Commission was working hard to ensure the completion of printing of the remaining Permanent Voter Cards for new voters and for those who applied for transfer or replacement of their lost or damaged cards, He said.
He restated INEC’s espoused commitment to continue working with the Media to “curb misinformation, disinformation and fake news”, adding that the Commission would remain “transparent and provide the required information”, even as it expected the Media to always fact-check information before publishing it, especially on the social media.
The President, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, represented by the National Treasurer, Comrade Tunde Bamidele, called on politicians to play by the rules as they continue with election campaigns.
He also urged them to learn how to sell their manifestos to the people and avoid statements that could cause disaffection among Nigerians.
The Media should equally do well to study the provisions of the electoral act and adhere strictly to it in carrying out their daily reportage, he told them.
RN