The nationwide Continuous Voter Registration process faced some challenges as certain officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission at the Agege Local Government Secretariat, in Lagos, were allegedly involved in improper handling of permanent voter cards, requesting monetary compensation from citizens in exchange for the collection of the cards. Today, when the Nigerian Democratic Report
The nationwide Continuous Voter Registration process faced some challenges as certain officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission at the Agege Local Government Secretariat, in Lagos, were allegedly involved in improper handling of permanent voter cards, requesting monetary compensation from citizens in exchange for the collection of the cards.
Today, when the Nigerian Democratic Report (NDR) visited the electoral commission’s centre in Agege, some registrants quietly complained that INEC staff requested payment before issuing voter cards.
INEC has frowned at this development and has promised to investigate and discipline all those involved in the nefarious act.
The registrants’ concerns were brought to the attention of this reporter, who was seated alongside prospective registrants beneath a canopy at the INEC secretariat. Here, individuals had submitted their names and were awaiting the arrival of the INEC official responsible for conducting the registration process.
The NDR reporter listened attentively to the concerns expressed by residents before approaching one individual for further insight regarding the incident. One affected person recounted her experience, stating that she was required to pay N1500 before receiving her permanent voter card.
A middle-aged woman, who remained anonymous, reported being told by electoral officials to pay a finder’s fee because her card, which had been at the INEC office for some time and locating it would require extra effort.
“At first, I told them I did not have the money, but they told me that without the payment, I would not be able to get my voter card, and I have been sitting here for a while; I paid the money, and the card was given to me.” Although they told me the money was just for them to be appreciated, not the actual money for the cards,” she said.
While she was still recounting her experience, another registrant named Sherifat approached the reporter, as well as several other prospective registrants seated under the canopy, to request financial assistance for obtaining a voter’s card. Sherifat explained that she had not received her voter’s card because she was unable to pay the required fee, and, lacking the necessary funds, sought support from others present.
“They did not give me the voter’s card because I did not have the money to pay. They asked me to bring N1500; I told them I did not have it; they reduced it to N1000, and when they discovered I could still not pay it, they asked me to leave. I believe if I could gather the money, I would get it”.
After collecting enough money through begging, Ms Sherifat returned to the collection stand and received the card. A similar demand for money was observed; those who paid received their cards without issue.
INEC Promises Investigation into Alleged Standards Violations
INEC has repeatedly condemned payments to its officials or individuals, calling such actions a clear breach of its standards.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, called the act unacceptable and stated it violates the Electoral Commission’s ethics and guidelines.
“How can you be collecting money from the people? That is extremely wrong. It is so sad that people would be calling the name of the INEC chairman, who is in Abuja, and we have some errand staff doing this. This is wrong.”
He further explained that despite the repeated announcements that the exercise is free, some Nigerians are still paying for the cards. He called on Nigerians to resist such advances in the future.
“It is also surprising that Nigerians are paying for the cards even though we have announced that they must not pay anybody. Nigerians must raise the alarm if such demands are made of them, Mr Oyekanmi said.
In an interview with the NDR regarding the recent incident, Mr. Muyiwa Yussuff, Head of the Information and Communication Technology Department for the Lagos State branch of the Independent National Electoral Commission, stated that the commission will launch a statewide investigation to hold those involved accountable.
